President John Dramani Mahama has inaugurated a new chancery building for Ghana’s mission in Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. 

The four-storey property inaugurated today (Monday, February 16, 2026) would serve as the official working space for Ghanaian mission staff in Ethiopia. 

Construction works started during President Mahama’s first term 10 years ago. 

The project initially valued at $7.5 million, was affected by inflation due to the decade long delay and was completed at a cost of $9.8 million.

Plan 

Speaking at the event, President Mahama, said the project was part of a Cabinet-approved project advanced by Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hanna Serwa Tetteh to address the expensive rentals of properties for Ghana’s missions abroad.

“We had a lot of land that we hadn't built on, and yet we were renting very expensive properties to house our chancery. So, the Foreign Minister at the time, Hanna Tetteh, brought a paper to Cabinet and we approved it. We chose the SGSB Bank to be the lead financier.

“So, some money was allocated and a chancery here in Ethiopia was one of those selected to have a permanent structure. So many years later, when I came last year and realised that that chancery building has still not been completed, I felt quite ashamed. But this is better late than never,” he said.

He indicated that, although the contractors were a bit agitated and worried about the projected, he accepted government’s assurance that the outstanding amounts would be paid and resumed work and made sure it was completed after a year.

The President assured the contractor that government would pay his outstanding balance on his return to Ghana. 

“I'm very happy to have the dedicated the work here. I know there's some money left over; I can assure you that as soon as I get back, I'm going to get the finance minister to make your final payment so that we fulfill our part of the pact,” he said. 

He expressed gratitude to the consultant and the contractor the good work done 

“Indeed, when I came, even though the chancery had not been completed, you could see the quality of work that was going into it. So, consultants, Mr Swatson and partners, and contractor, I want to thank you very much. 

“This will serve as our mission to Ethiopia and also our permanent mission to the African Union. Everybody knows what the historic relations have been between Ghana and Ethiopia as founding members of the then Organization of African Unity, which later became the African Union,” he said.