Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Hannah Serwaa Tetteh, has been appointed as the United Nations Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The announcement was made by the United Nations in Ghana via its official Facebook page on Saturday, January 25, highlighting her extensive experience and leadership capabilities.
Ms. Tetteh succeeds Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal, who served as Special Envoy and Head of UNSMIL until May 2024. The United Nations Secretary-General expressed gratitude for Mr. Bathily’s dedicated service, as well as for the contributions of Stephanie Koury, who served as Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Special Representative during the interim period.
With decades of experience at the national, regional, and international levels, Ms. Tetteh’s appointment has been widely welcomed. Most recently, she served as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for the Horn of Africa from 2022 to 2024, where her role included addressing complex challenges in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
Her earlier tenure as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union (AU) and Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) from 2018 to 2020 also cemented her reputation as an exceptional diplomat. She had previously served as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, where her leadership was pivotal in advancing the organization’s mandates in the region.
Before joining the United Nations, Ms. Tetteh made significant contributions to Ghana’s governance and diplomacy. She served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2013 to 2017 under the administration of former President John Dramani Mahama. In this capacity, she was also a member of Ghana’s National Security Council and the Armed Forces Council, playing an instrumental role in the country’s international relations and national security framework.
Her tenure as Minister for Trade and Industry from 2009 to 2013 further showcased her ability to navigate complex economic and policy challenges. During this period, she was a member of the Government’s economic management team and contributed to shaping Ghana’s trade and industrial policies. Her roles as a board member of the Millennium Development Authority, a member of the National Development Planning Commission, and Chairperson of the Ghana Free Zones Board underscored her commitment to fostering economic development and sustainability.
Ms. Tetteh’s political career spans several years, having served as a Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya Constituency from 2000 to 2005. She later represented the Awutu Senya West Constituency from 2013 to 2017 as a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament. Her experience in legislative work added depth to her understanding of governance and policy-making, allowing her to bring a multifaceted perspective to her diplomatic roles.
Her international diplomatic engagements include serving as a co-facilitator in the High-Level Forum for the Revitalisation of the Agreement to resolve the conflict in South Sudan. This role involved intricate negotiations and collaboration with key stakeholders to address one of Africa’s most prolonged conflicts.
Ms. Tetteh’s academic and professional background is equally impressive. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ghana, Legon. Following her postgraduate legal studies at the Ghana School of Law, she was called to the Bar in 1992. Her fluency in English, Hungarian, and Fante has been an asset in her international assignments, enabling her to engage effectively across diverse cultural and linguistic landscapes.
Her appointment as the UN Special Representative for Libya and Head of UNSMIL places her at the helm of a mission critical to Libya’s stability and reconstruction. UNSMIL was established to support the Libyan-led and Libyan-owned political process aimed at creating a stable, unified, and democratic Libya. Ms. Tetteh’s deep understanding of governance, her diplomatic acumen, and her commitment to peace and development are expected to be instrumental in advancing the mission’s objectives.
Libya continues to face significant political and security challenges, with efforts to consolidate peace and restore national institutions ongoing. Ms. Tetteh’s extensive experience in conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and multilateral diplomacy makes her a strong choice to lead UNSMIL at this crucial juncture. Her appointment signals the UN’s confidence in her ability to navigate the complexities of the Libyan situation and to foster dialogue and collaboration among the various stakeholders.
The announcement of her new role has been met with praise from both national and international circles. Ghanaians have expressed pride in her achievements, with many highlighting her exemplary track record as a testament to the country’s contributions to global governance and diplomacy. On the international stage, her appointment has been hailed as a strategic decision that aligns with the UN’s commitment to promoting inclusive and sustainable peace in Libya.
As she takes on this significant responsibility, Ms. Tetteh brings with her a legacy of excellence, resilience, and a dedication to service. Her leadership is expected to inspire confidence and foster progress in the efforts to stabilize Libya and support its transition towards lasting peace and development.
The journey ahead may be challenging, but Ms. Tetteh’s wealth of experience and her unwavering commitment to advancing the principles of the United Nations provide a strong foundation for her success in this role. Her appointment not only reflects her personal achievements but also underscores Ghana’s growing influence in global governance and its commitment to contributing to international peace and security.
Hannah Serwaa Tetteh’s new role as the UN Special Representative for Libya marks yet another milestone in an illustrious career defined by service, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to making a difference on both the national and international stage. As she embarks on this journey, the world watches with great anticipation, confident in her ability to lead with wisdom, integrity, and a vision for a better future for Libya and its people.
