The Zimbabwe Institute of Diplomacy (ZID) hosted H.E. Bonaventure Adjavor, Ambassador of the Republic of Ghana to Zimbabwe, for an engaging online public lecture on 15 October 2026. The lecture, titled “Ghana’s Diplomacy: Historical Foundations and Contemporary Foreign Policy,” brought together students, public servants, development partners and diplomatic representatives. Also in attendance was H.E. Dr. Senalor Kwabla Yawlui, Ghana’s Ambassador to Norway.
Moderated by Dr. Vova Chikanda, the session explored the principles shaping Ghana’s international relations and the practical role of diplomacy in advancing national development and African cooperation.
Ambassador Adjavor traced Ghana’s diplomatic foundations to independence in 1957 and the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose vision linked Ghana’s freedom to the liberation and unity of the African continent. He explained how Pan-Africanism, non-alignment, regional cooperation and respect for international law have remained central to Ghana’s foreign policy across successive administrations.
Turning to contemporary priorities, the Ambassador highlighted economic diplomacy as a means of attracting investment, expanding trade, creating employment and strengthening international partnerships. He emphasised that diplomatic engagement should produce tangible benefits for citizens, with Ghanaian missions supporting commercial opportunities and engagement with the diaspora.
African integration also featured prominently. Ambassador Adjavor discussed Ghana’s engagement through the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and the United Nations. He highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area as an important platform for expanding intra-African trade, alongside the need for African countries to process their natural resources locally and retain greater economic value.
The interactive discussion connected these themes to practical opportunities for Ghana and Zimbabwe. Participants explored cooperation in mining, agriculture, technical exchanges and women’s entrepreneurship, as well as the contribution of cultural diplomacy and young people to stronger continental relationships.
Responding to questions on regional security and international influence, Ambassador Adjavor underscored the importance of dialogue, good neighbourliness and principled advocacy. He encouraged African countries to recognise their capacity to shape international debate through cooperation and purposeful diplomatic engagement.
The discussion also opened an avenue for further engagement on cooperation between women entrepreneurs and cooperatives in Ghana and Zimbabwe.
The lecture concluded with a vote of thanks acknowledging the Ambassador’s insights and practical responses. Through engagements of this nature, ZID continues to connect diplomatic learning with professional experience, providing a platform for informed dialogue on African development, cooperation and international affairs.
