The Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in Berne participated in the commemoration of Africa Day 2026, held at the Bellevue Palace Hotel in Berne, Switzerland.
The event was organized under the auspices of the African Group of Ambassadors accredited to Switzerland and brought together Heads of Mission, representatives of the Swiss Confederation, members of the African diaspora, and the Swiss business community.
The Embassy was ably led by the Deputy Ambassador, Mr. Palmer Appiah-Gyan, who represented the Ambassador of Ghana to Switzerland, H.E. Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah, at the event.
The Africa Day which is commemorated annually provides an opportunity to celebrate the founding ideals of the African Union, promote unity among African states, and highlight the continent’s progress and aspirations. The 2026 celebration in Berne served as an important platform to deepen dialogue and strengthen cooperation between African countries and Switzerland.
In his address, the Dean of the African Group of Ambassadors, H.E. Léonard Henri Bindzi, Ambassador of Cameroon, underscored the importance of sustained engagement between Africa and Switzerland. He highlighted the need to move beyond dialogue towards concrete partnerships, particularly in areas where Switzerland has strong expertise, including vocational education and training, research, innovation, and higher education collaboration. The Dean also expressed appreciation to the Swiss Government for its continued support to the African continent under its 2025-2028 cooperation strategy and acknowledged Switzerland’s longstanding contribution to peacebuilding, mediation, and humanitarian assistance in Africa.
He further emphasized the critical role of the African diaspora in Switzerland in fostering people-to-people connections and contributing to development across the continent.
On behalf of the Swiss Confederation, Ambassador Philipp Stadler, Head of the Sub-Saharan Africa and Francophonie Division, reaffirmed Switzerland’s commitment to Africa as a strategic partner of rising global importance. He noted the growing recognition of Africa’s dynamism, driven by its youthful population, entrepreneurial energy, and expanding technological innovation. Ambassador Stadler also reiterated Switzerland’s intention to strengthen cooperation with African countries across key sectors including trade, investment, scientific collaboration, and cultural exchange.
He underscored the importance of collective global responses to emerging challenges and reaffirmed Switzerland’s continued support for development and humanitarian initiatives across the continent.
The celebration featured cultural displays and exhibitions that highlighted the diversity, heritage, and economic potential of African countries. It provided an excellent networking opportunity for participants and further strengthened engagement between African Missions and key stakeholders in Switzerland.
Ghana’s participation underscored its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Switzerland and promoting opportunities in trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange.
The Embassy remains committed to enhancing Ghana’s visibility and impact at future editions of Africa Day through strengthened collaboration with relevant national institutions and stakeholders.
The Embassy expressed its appreciation to the African Group of Ambassadors and all partners whose contributions ensured the success of the event.
Source: Agyenkwa Radio – Switzerland