Cabinet has approved the historic Host Country Agreement between the Government of Ghana and the Holy See, resolving a diplomatic matter that has remained pending since formal ties were established in 1976.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development following a meeting with the Apostolic Nuncio to Ghana, Archbishop Julien Kaboré, who represents Pope Leo XIV.
Aligned with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the agreement establishes a comprehensive legal framework governing relations between both entities while granting specific rights, privileges, and immunities to ecclesiastical officeholders and the Catholic faithful across the country.
The diplomatic pact is now set for submission to Parliament, where lawmakers are expected to consider it for formal ratification under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution in the coming weeks.
Expressing satisfaction with the outcome, Mr Ablakwa praised the collaborative efforts between government officials and the Apostolic Nunciature in finalizing the agreement. He commended staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for meeting the operational timelines set for the document, whilst expressing gratitude to President John Mahama and the Attorney-General for their personal dedication to the process.
The Foreign Minister also acknowledged the continuous contributions of the Catholic Church to national development, highlighting its role in reinforcing moral values and building thousands of institutions in key sectors such as education and health.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
