German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier concluded his three-day state visit to Ghana with a poignant courtesy call on Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, at the historic Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The meeting symbolized the deepening cultural and diplomatic ties between Germany and Ghana, while Steinmeier’s earlier announcement of over €65 million (approximately GH¢823 million) in development aid underscored Berlin’s commitment to sustainable partnership in West Africa. The visit, marking the 50th anniversary of bilateral development cooperation, highlighted themes of mutual respect, youth empowerment, and economic growth amid global challenges.

Key Moments

Manhyia Palace- Opemsuo Radio 

• Courtesy Call at Manhyia Palace: Steinmeier was warmly received by the Asantehene in a traditional ceremony, where Otumfuo Osei Tutu II gifted him a carved stool bearing the Asante emblem—a profound symbol of honor and enduring friendship in Akan culture. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations, with emphasis on cultural exchanges, education, and Germany’s role in supporting Ghana’s stability as a regional hub. Steinmeier, speaking through an interpreter, praised the Asantehene’s wisdom and Ghana’s vibrant heritage, noting how such engagements foster “human connections that outlast formal diplomacy.” The event drew widespread acclaim on social media, with videos capturing the regal welcome and exchanges going viral among Ghanaian users.

• Aid Pledge Announcement: During a joint press briefing with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House, Steinmeier revealed Germany’s renewed €65 million commitment for 2025 development cooperation, pending Bundestag approval. The funds target renewable energy transitions, youth skills training in health, pharmaceuticals, and digital sectors, and vocational programs to create jobs. “Ghana is an ideal partner—educated, English-speaking, and strategically located,” Steinmeier said, highlighting last year’s €2.5 billion trade volume and Germany’s support for 200 new nurses annually via a Kumasi-based school starting in 2026.

• Kumasi Engagements (Morning): Before the palace visit, Steinmeier performed a sod-cutting for expansions at the Kumasi Technical Institute, a German-funded vocational hub launching new programs next year. He also toured the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), engaging with staff, alumni, and students on collaborative research in health and technology, and visited the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research to explore joint ventures in infectious diseases.

• Arrival and Accra Highlights (November 2-3): Steinmeier landed in Accra on November 2, greeted by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and German Ambassador Frederik Landshöft. The itinerary included a Guard of Honour, closed-door talks with Mahama on ECOWAS stability and AfCFTA opportunities, a wreath-laying at Kwame Nkrumah’s Mausoleum, and a state luncheon. A business delegation from Germany—spanning infrastructure, medtech, and satellites—accompanied him to scout investments.

Broader Context and Impact

This visit reinforces Germany-Ghana ties established since 1957, with Berlin viewing Accra as a key ally in Sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest-growing economy. Steinmeier emphasized equality in partnerships, countering narratives of aid dependency by focusing on trade and skills transfer. The Asantehene meeting added a cultural layer, bridging Europe’s industrial prowess with Ghana’s rich traditions, and was seen as a nod to decentralized diplomacy involving traditional leaders.

Stats Overview: Ghana-Germany Partnership Snapshot

The pledge awaits parliamentary nod but signals robust momentum. As Steinmeier departed Tuesday evening, his visit leaves a legacy of goodwill, with follow-up consultations planned. For Ghana, it’s a timely boost amid economic recovery; for Germany, a strategic foothold in Africa’s renaissance.

Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana’s longest-serving First Lady from 1981 to 2001, passed away on October 23, 2025, at Ridge Hospital in Accra after being admitted unresponsive.

She founded the 31st December Women’s Movement in 1982 to promote women’s entrepreneurship, education, and political participation, and became the first woman to run for president in 2016 under the National Democratic Party.

Her death, five years after her husband Jerry Rawlings’ passing, has drawn tributes from public figures, citizens, and institutions for her advocacy in gender equality and rural development.

A Life of Influence and Resilience 

Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings and Hillary Clinton

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Though her 2012 bid for the NDC nomination fell short, her advocacy left an indelible mark, influencing policies on gender equality and community development.