Zita Benson Makes History as Ghana's First Female High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland
- Zita Benson has been appointed Ghana's first female High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland
- Her appointment, made in May 2025, is a historic milestone in her political career, marking her as a trailblazer
- With her extensive experience in government and law, she is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and the UK
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President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Sabah Zita Benson as Ghana's High Commissioner-designate to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
This appointment, made in May 2025, marks a historic milestone in her life, as she became the first female High Commissioner to serve at the Ghana High Commission in London.
Source: UGC
Mrs. Benson brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having served in various capacities in Ghana's government.
She previously served as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2014 to 2016, concurrently accredited to Slovakia, Hungary, Macedonia, and Romania.
Her tenure revitalised Ghana’s bilateral relations with several countries.
In 2009, at the age of 33, she made history by becoming the youngest woman ever appointed as a Minister of State in Ghana.
She served as the Minister of Information and later as the Minister of Tourism under President John Evans Atta Mills.
Additionally, she played a pivotal communications role during President Barack Obama’s landmark visit to Ghana in 2009.
Zita Benson's academic background and political career
Mrs. Benson completed her secondary education at Archbishop Porter Girls' Secondary School in Takoradi.
After attaining her SSCE (now WASSCE), she proceeded to Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Law upon completion in 1999.
Source: Facebook
Following this, Mrs Benson also enrolled at the University of Ghana, where she graduated with an LLB in 2004.
She was called to the Ghana Bar in 2006 and later obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Oil and Gas in 2014 at the University of Ghana.
Zita Benson contested the Dome Kwabenya seat in the 2008 general elections under the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) but was defeated by Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Despite her defeat, she received the highest number of votes for the NDC in that constituency.
She contested the same seat again in 2012, but was once again defeated, this time by Sarah Adwoa Safo of the NPP, who succeeded Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye.
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Zita Benson's new role and expectations
As High Commissioner, Mrs Benson is expected to strengthen diplomatic ties between Ghana and the UK, promote Ghanaian interests, and foster cooperation in areas such as trade, education, and culture.
Her appointment is seen as a testament to her capabilities and commitment to serving Ghana.
With her extensive background in law, politics, and public service, Mrs. Benson is well-positioned to represent Ghana's interests in the UK and Ireland, further solidifying Ghana's diplomatic relations with these countries.
Annie appointed to Ghanaian UK High Commission
In a related development, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that Annie Ampofo of Metro TV was appointed Head of Public Affairs at the Ghana High Commission in the UK and Ireland.
The announcement was made by NPP member Akosua Manu via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Annie would manage the High Commission’s public image and promote Ghanaian interests abroad using her media expertise.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
