In a significant diplomatic milestone for Ghana, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Hanna Serwaa Tetteh as his Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL). This news, announced on 24th January, 2025, fills Ghanaians with pride, marking another step forward in African representation on the global stage.
Ms. Tetteh succeeds Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal, who served until May 2024. Her appointment is a testament to her vast experience in diplomacy and governance, having worked in various capacities both at home and abroad.
Before this role, she was the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa from 2022 to 2024. She also held significant UN posts, including Special Representative to the African Union and head of the UN Office to the African Union from 2018 to 2020, and Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi.
In Ghana, Ms. Tetteh has left an indelible mark through her service as Minister for Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2017, where she led ECOWAS councils, and as Minister for Trade and Industry from 2009 to 2013, engaging in national economic strategies. She represented Awutu Senya and later Awutu Senya West in Parliament for the National Democratic Congress.
With her legal background and multilingual capabilities, Ms. Tetteh is believed to be well-equipped to navigate the complex socio-political landscape of Libya, aiming for stability and peace.
This appointment by the United Nations not only highlights Ms. Tetteh’s extensive credentials but also signifies the increasing role of African leaders in international peace and diplomacy. Ghanaians and many around the world look forward to her leadership in fostering stability in Libya.
Source: United Nations website
