President John Dramani Mahama has appointed maritime academic Evans Ago Tetteh as Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, marking a shift in how the country manages its representation at the global maritime body.
Dr. Ago Tetteh, who is married to journalist and presidential staffer Bridget Otoo, previously served as a lecturer in the Department of Transport at the Regional Maritime University.
In his new capacity, he will represent Ghana on key international issues relating to maritime governance, shipping regulation, safety standards and maritime security.
The appointment represents a departure from the previous practice where the country’s representation at the IMO was handled by its High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Until the latest development, Sabah Zita Benson had been performing the role of Ghana’s representative to the organization while simultaneously serving as High Commissioner to the UK.
Under the new arrangement, Ago Tetteh will serve as the official diplomatic liaison to the IMO and will be responsible for coordinating the country’s participation in international maritime policy discussions and regulatory frameworks that affect global shipping and maritime trade.
Sources familiar with the appointment indicate that the position carries diplomatic privileges and conditions similar to those of a Ghanaian ambassador posted abroad, including accommodation and other official benefits.
Ago Tetteh is expected to present his letter of credence to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization in the coming days, after which he will formally assume his duties as the representative to the UN maritime agency.
However, the appointment has reportedly generated some discontent among sections of the academic community at the Regional Maritime University.
According to reports, some lecturers affiliated with the governing National Democratic Congress and its student wing, Tertiary Education Institutions Network, have expressed disappointment over the decision.
The lecturers reportedly claim—without presenting evidence—that Dr. Ago Tetteh had previously been associated with the opposition New Patriotic Party at the lecturers’ caucus level and through commentary on social media platforms.
Despite the reported concerns, the government has not publicly addressed the claims, and preparations are underway for Dr. Ago Tetteh to formally take up his diplomatic responsibilities at the International Maritime Organization.
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