Ghana’s Ambassador Designate Mona Quartey and Crew Explore Northern Italy

Introduction

In a significant diplomatic mission, Ghana’s Ambassador Designate Mona Quartey, accompanied by senior embassy staff, embarked on a three-day tour of northern Italy from January 23 to January 25, 2026. This visit aimed to strengthen educational partnerships, support Ghanaian nationals working in Italy, and engage with the Ghanaian business community contributing to Ghana’s socioeconomic development.

Key Points

Background

Mona Quartey, Ghana’s newly designated ambassador to Italy, undertook this northern Italy tour as part of her initial diplomatic engagements. The visit was designed to foster stronger ties between Ghana and Italian institutions, support Ghanaians abroad, and explore opportunities for mutual economic growth. The delegation’s itinerary was carefully planned to address key areas: higher education collaboration, vocational training outcomes, and business networking.

Analysis

Educational Collaboration in Udine

The delegation’s visit to Udine marked a significant milestone in Ghana-Italy educational relations. The University of Udine hosted presentations by Ghanaian PhD scholars, showcasing the growing academic exchange between the two countries. The involvement of Professor Mills Heritage was crucial in facilitating this engagement, which led to the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with Ghana’s University of Health and Allied Sciences in the Volta Region.

This agreement is particularly noteworthy as it opens pathways for expanded scholarship opportunities. The discussions with the Head of International Student Relations and several professors focused on broadening the scholarship program to include high-demand fields such as engineering, mathematics, cybersecurity, and agriculture. These areas align with Ghana’s national development priorities and the embassy’s key performance indicators for economic cooperation.

Ambassador Quartey’s address to the students and African scholars demonstrated her commitment to diaspora engagement. Her encouragement of students to make positive impacts both in Ghana and across Africa reflects a broader diplomatic strategy of fostering pan-African collaboration.

Supporting Ghanaian Workers in Monfalcone

The visit to Monfalcone highlighted the embassy’s commitment to Ghanaian nationals employed abroad. The delegation met with Ghanaian workers trained at the Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Institute in Ghana (Ashiaman and Sunyani campuses) who are now employed at Fincantieri, a prominent shipbuilding company.

The warm reception by the workers, who affectionately dubbed Mrs. Quartey “The People’s Ambassador,” underscores the positive impact of such diplomatic outreach. The information collection process managed by Chris Ankrah ensures that the embassy maintains updated records and can provide targeted support to its citizens abroad.

Kwesi Amuzu-Kpene’s reassurance of the Ghana Mission’s full support serves as a reminder that diplomatic missions exist to assist their nationals, regardless of location. The workers’ gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for “guiding the country in the correct economic backing” reflects the broader context of Ghana’s economic policies and their impact on citizens abroad.

Engaging Ghanaian Business Community in Milan

The Milan leg of the tour focused on the Ghanaian and African business community, recognizing their substantial contributions to Ghana’s socioeconomic development. By meeting with these entrepreneurs, Ambassador Quartey demonstrated the embassy’s commitment to supporting business development and addressing challenges faced by Ghanaian businesses operating internationally.

The dinner reception provided a valuable opportunity for networking and familiarization, creating a platform for ongoing dialogue between the embassy and the business community. The assurance of continued support from the mission encourages these entrepreneurs to utilize embassy resources, potentially leading to increased trade, investment, and knowledge transfer between Italy and Ghana.

Practical Advice

For Ghanaian Students in Italy

Students considering studying in Italy should explore scholarship opportunities through the Ghana Embassy in Rome. Focus on fields aligned with Ghana’s development needs, such as engineering, cybersecurity, and agriculture. Maintain regular communication with the embassy and participate in organized events to build networks and access support services.

For Ghanaian Workers Abroad

Register with the Ghana Mission in your host country to ensure you receive updates and support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the embassy when facing challenges, whether professional, legal, or personal. Build connections with fellow Ghanaians through embassy-organized events and activities.

For Ghanaian Entrepreneurs

Engage proactively with the Ghana Embassy in Italy to explore business opportunities and access support services. Attend networking events organized by the mission to connect with other Ghanaian business owners and potential partners. Share your experiences and challenges with embassy officials to help them better understand and address the needs of the business community.

FAQ

Conclusion

Ambassador Designate Mona Quartey’s tour of northern Italy represents a strategic diplomatic initiative that addresses multiple dimensions of Ghana-Italy relations. From educational partnerships and vocational training outcomes to business networking and diaspora support, the visit demonstrates a comprehensive approach to diplomatic engagement.

The signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the University of Udine and Ghana’s University of Health and Allied Sciences marks a concrete achievement that will facilitate academic exchange and scholarship opportunities for years to come. The embassy’s engagement with Ghanaian workers and entrepreneurs underscores the importance of supporting citizens abroad while leveraging their contributions to national development.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its international partnerships, such diplomatic missions play a crucial role in building bridges, creating opportunities, and ensuring that Ghanaians abroad receive the support and recognition they deserve. Ambassador Quartey’s tour sets a positive precedent for future diplomatic engagements and highlights the multifaceted nature of modern diplomacy.

Sources

– Life Pulse Daily
– Ghana Embassy in Italy
– University of Udine
– Don Bosco Technical and Vocational Institute, Ghana
– Fincantieri Shipbuilding Company

*Note: This article is based on publicly available information and diplomatic sources. The views expressed represent the author’s analysis and interpretation of the events described.*