The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Hanna Serwaa Tetteh of Ghana as the Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
Ms. Tetteh, a seasoned diplomat with decades of experience, succeeds Abdoulaye Bathily of Senegal. The Secretary-General praised Mr. Bathily for his leadership and acknowledged Deputy Special Representative Stephanie Koury, who served as Officer-in-Charge during the transitional period.
With an impressive career at national, regional, and international levels, Ms. Tetteh has previously served as the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (2022–2024) and as the Special Representative to the African Union (2018–2020). She also held key roles in Ghana’s government, including Minister for Foreign Affairs (2013–2017) and Minister for Trade and Industry (2009–2013).
As Foreign Minister, she chaired the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Mediation and Security Council, contributing to peacebuilding and regional stability. Ms. Tetteh has also played a significant role in global diplomacy, serving as Co-Facilitator in the revitalization of South Sudan’s peace agreement.
A lawyer by profession, Ms. Tetteh holds an LLB from the University of Ghana and was called to the Bar in 1992. Fluent in English, Hungarian, and Fante, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role at a critical time for Libya’s political and security landscape.
Her appointment reflects the UN’s confidence in her ability to lead UNSMIL’s efforts in promoting peace and stability in Libya.
