Mar 20-2026

H.E. Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah had the honour of receiving Ms. Rebekka Gfeller, Head of the International Bern Welcome Desk, at the Embassy.

The Bern Welcome Desk plays an important role in assisting newly arrived international residents and diplomats with relocation and integration into the city. Its services include support with arrival procedures, housing and mobility, family and education, health and insurance, as well as information on recreation, events, venues, hotels and contacts with local authorities. For members of the diplomatic community, such services are invaluable in helping them settle and work effectively in the city of Bern.

During their discussion, Ms. Gfeller asked about Her Excellency’s vision for her duty tour in Switzerland. In response, H.E. Prof. Mrs. Awuah shared her aspiration to replicate some of the positive practices observed in Switzerland in Ghana - particularly in areas such as environmental stewardship, organised urban planning, the establishment of industries that produce high-quality goods, youth skills development and apprenticeship systems, as well as sustainable trade and cultural exchange.

Her Excellency noted that experiences such as the Bern Welcome Desk also offer valuable lessons. She observed that similar information and support centres could be beneficial within Ghana’s Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), where they could provide visitors and investors with essential information on the history of towns and cities, tourism attractions, transport systems and key municipal services.

Her Excellency was also impressed to learn that tap water in the city of Bern is of such high quality that residents do not need to purchase bottled water. As a gesture of welcome, Ms. Gfeller presented her with a reusable bamboo bottle, a city map and helpful information on navigating Bern as a visitor.

H.E. Prof. Mrs. Awuah expressed interest in facilitating a future engagement between the Mayor of Bern and municipal authorities in Ghana, including the Municipal Chief Executive of Oforikrom, to exchange ideas on areas such as water management, circular economy approaches to solid waste management, urban security and public health systems. She further indicated that such an exchange could be expanded to include other mayors interested in learning from Bern’s experiences.

As a gesture of appreciation, Her Excellency presented Ms. Gfeller with a Kente stole, explaining the significance of its colours and the cultural heritage it represents. She also gave her a brief tour of the Embassy, highlighting the portraits of previous ambassadors, the photograph of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, as well as Ghanaian sculptures and traditional stools that reflect the country’s history and identity.

Her Excellency warmly invited Ms. Gfeller to visit Ghana and expressed her hope to welcome her there before the end of her duty tour.

Her Excellency noted that experiences such as the Bern Welcome Desk also offer valuable lessons. She observed that similar information and support centres could be beneficial within Ghana’s Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), where they could provide visitors and investors with essential information on the history of towns and cities, tourism attractions, transport systems and key municipal services.