Palestinian Foreign Minister Hails Ghana’s Solidarity, Honours Kwasi Pratt for Advocacy
Story by Eugene Nyarko Jnr. l Accra l Sunday, December 14, 2025
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine, H.E. Dr. Varsen O.V. Aghabekian, has expressed profound gratitude to Ghana for its continued political and moral support for the Palestinian people, while outlining plans to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
Addressing the press at a media encounter dubbed “Palestinian Foreign Minister Meets with the Ghanaian Media” at the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Accra, Dr. Aghabekian conveyed warm greetings from Palestinian President H.E. Mahmoud Abbas, the Government of Palestine, and Palestinians in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for his consistent advocacy at the United Nations in support of international law, the right to self-determination, and the protection of Palestinian civilians, particularly children in Gaza. The Palestinian Foreign Minister also lauded Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for what she described as a principled and courageous stance in condemning atrocities in Gaza and characterising them as genocide.
Dr. Aghabekian further expressed appreciation to the people of Ghana for public demonstrations and solidarity actions in support of Palestine, noting that such gestures reflect strong popular support for the Palestinian cause.
Describing her visit as long overdue and her first to Ghana, she said the primary objective was to deepen bilateral cooperation through enhanced political consultations, possible signing of Memoranda of Understanding, and the exchange of official visits between both countries.
Touching on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, the Foreign Minister said that although a ceasefire exists in Gaza, it remains fragile, with continued attacks and inadequate humanitarian assistance. She highlighted ongoing challenges in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including settler violence, demolition of homes, restrictions on worship, and the detention of over 10,000 Palestinians, most of whom she described as political detainees.
Dr. Aghabekian noted that 160 countries have so far recognised the State of Palestine and called for intensified efforts to expand international recognition. She outlined Palestine’s key priorities, including a sustainable ceasefire, increased humanitarian access, reconstruction of Gaza, opposition to forced displacement, and the realisation of a free and independent Palestinian state in line with the New York Declaration.
She reiterated that Palestine’s ultimate goal remains peace and security with its neighbours, including Israel, stressing the need for mutual respect for sovereignty and rights.
As part of her visit, Dr. Aghabekian announced scheduled meetings with Ghana’s Vice President, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, religious leaders, diplomats, and solidarity groups.
In a highlight of the visit, the Palestinian Foreign Minister honoured veteran Ghanaian journalist and activist Kwasi Pratt Jnr. with a medal of appreciation on behalf of President Mahmoud Abbas and the Government of Palestine, in recognition of his long-standing advocacy for the Palestinian cause.
Receiving the honour, Mr. Pratt Jnr. expressed deep appreciation, dedicating it to Ghanaian journalists, solidarity campaigners, and the people of Ghana. He underscored the importance of journalists speaking out against injustice, noting that more journalists have been killed in Gaza than in any conflict in history. He reaffirmed his commitment to justice and expressed hope that Palestine would one day be free.
