History of Germany–Ghana relations in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2026

Germany and Ghana have a strong relationship, with Ghana being a priority country for German development aid. Diplomatic ties were established in the 1950s, though interactions between the two societies date back to the 17th century. These historical connections form the foundation for their current cooperation.

1916: End of German Togo

In 1916, the German colony in the Volta Region, part of German Togo, came to an end.

1921: Expulsion of German missionaries

In 1921, British colonial authorities expelled German missionaries from the Volta region following World War I.

September 1932: The Kwami Affair

In September 1932, Carl Röver, the National Socialist Gauleiter of Weser-Ems and Prime minister of the Free State of Oldenburg, attempted to prevent Ghanaian pastor Robert Kwami from delivering a sermon at St. Lambert's Church in Oldenburg, an incident known as the Kwami Affair.

September 1939: Gold Coast involvement in World War II

In September 1939, the Gold Coast became involved in World War II following the British Empire's declaration of war on Nazi Germany. The colony contributed resources and manpower, with 65,000 soldiers fighting for the Allied powers, though no combat occurred within the Gold Coast itself.

1956: FRG opens consulate in Accra

In 1956, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) opened a consulate in Accra.

1957: German development aid begins in Ghana

From 1957, Germany began providing development aid to Ghana, reaching 1.57 billion euros by 2020.

1960: Ghana opens embassy in Bonn

In 1960, Ghana opened an embassy in Bonn, the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).

1972: Ghana establishes relations with GDR

In 1972, Ghana established diplomatic relations with the German Democratic Republic (GDR) after the end of the Hallstein Doctrine.

1981: Ghanaian nationals naturalized in Germany

Between 1981 and 2013, nearly 12,400 Ghanaian nationals were naturalized in Germany.

1982: Diocesan partnership between Münster and Ghana

Since 1982, a diocesan partnership has existed between the Diocese of Münster and several church provinces in northern Ghana.

1998: Investment protection agreement

In 1998, an investment protection agreement was established between Germany and Ghana.

2007: Double taxation agreement

In 2007, Germany and Ghana established a double taxation agreement.

2009: Children born of German-Ghanaian partnerships

By 2009, approximately 10,000 children had been born of German-Ghanaian partnerships.

2012: German sponsorship of German Swiss International School

Since 2012/13, the German government has been the sole sponsor of the German Swiss International School in Accra.

2013: Ghanaian nationals naturalized in Germany

Between 1981 and 2013, nearly 12,400 Ghanaian nationals were naturalized in Germany.

2014: Migration background from Ghana in Germany

In 2014, it was estimated that just under 49,000 people with a migration background from Ghana resided in Germany.

2017: Bilateral reform and investment partnership

In 2017, Germany and Ghana began a bilateral reform and investment partnership.

2018: Bilateral assistance amount

From 2018 to 2020, bilateral assistance to Ghana amounted to 145.2 million euros.

2018: Angela Merkel visits Ghana

In 2018, German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a state visit to Ghana, meeting with President Nana Akufo-Addo to discuss migration, economic ties, and German development aid for infrastructure and energy.

2018: German companies active in Ghana in 2018

Nearly 80 German companies are active in Ghana as of 2018.

2019: German-African Business Summit in Accra

In 2019, Accra hosted the third German-African Business Summit.

2020: Development aid amount reaches 1.57 billion euros

From 1957 to 2020, Germany provided 1.57 billion euros in development aid to Ghana.

2021: Trade volume in 2021

In 2021, the total trade volume between Ghana and Germany reached 641 million euros, solidifying Ghana's position as a key trading partner for Germany in Africa. Ghana imports vehicles, machinery, and chemical products from Germany, while Germany imports cocoa and petroleum from Ghana.