The newly appointed UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Country Representative to Ghana, Dr. Meshack Oguna Malo, has formally begun his tenure by presenting his Letters of Accreditation to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in Accra. This significant step marks the beginning of his office tenure, succeeding Ms. Priya Gujadhur, who led the FAO Country Office in Ghana during her tenure. Dr. Malo was accompanied by Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, the FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa.
Dr. Malo brings extensive experience in agriculture, natural resource management, humanitarian programming, and agrifood systems development to his new role. Prior to his appointment in Ghana, he served as FAO's Deputy Regional Representative for Africa and the FAO Country Representative in South Sudan from 2019 to 2026. In South Sudan, he led initiatives in agricultural development, irrigation, value chains, cooperative development, and humanitarian programming. Dr. Malo joined the FAO in 2007 and has held senior positions at national, regional, and global levels.
During the accreditation ceremony, Dr. Malo reaffirmed FAO's commitment to working closely with the Government of Ghana and partners to advance food security, sustainable agriculture, resilient livelihoods, and inclusive agrifood systems transformation. He expressed his honour in taking up the responsibility in Ghana and building on the strong foundation of cooperation between the Government of Ghana and FAO. Dr. Malo emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting Ghana in translating its agricultural potential into sustainable opportunities for farmers, young people, women, and rural communities.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, welcomed Dr. Malo and reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to strengthening its longstanding partnership with the FAO. He noted that Ghana values its partnership with the FAO and looks forward to working closely with Dr. Malo and FAO to advance shared priorities in agriculture, food security, rural development, and sustainable agrifood systems. The Minister's remarks underscore Ghana's commitment to collaborating with international organizations to achieve its development goals.
Dr. Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa, highlighted the importance of FAO's partnership with Ghana and the country's role in advancing agrifood systems transformation across Africa. He noted that Ghana has consistently demonstrated leadership and ambition in transforming its agrifood systems and that FAO is committed to strengthening this partnership. Dr. Haile-Gabriel emphasized that FAO will support Ghana with the knowledge, technical expertise, innovation, and partnerships needed to accelerate progress towards sustainable development.
FAO has worked with Ghana for decades, supporting national priorities across agriculture, livestock, fisheries, forestry, food security and nutrition, climate resilience, rural livelihoods, and sustainable natural resource management. Dr. Malo's appointment comes at a critical time as Ghana advances efforts to build more productive, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems. His assumption of office marks a new chapter in the longstanding FAO-Ghana partnership, with a shared commitment to advancing food security, sustainable agriculture, and resilient livelihoods.
The new FAO Representative to Ghana emphasized the organization's focus on achieving its Four Betters: Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, leaving no one behind. With Dr. Malo's extensive experience and FAO's continued support, Ghana is poised to make significant strides in transforming its agrifood systems and achieving sustainable development. The partnership between Ghana and FAO is expected to yield positive outcomes, benefiting farmers, young people, women, and rural communities across the country.
Key points
- Dr. Meshack Oguna Malo presents letters of accreditation as new FAO Representative to Ghana.
- FAO reaffirms commitment to working with Ghana to advance food security and sustainable agriculture.
- Dr. Malo brings extensive experience in agriculture, natural resource management, and humanitarian programming to his new role.
