Switzerland appoints Dr. Thomas Oertle as ambassador to Ghana, Benin and Togo

The Embassy of Switzerland in Accra has appointed Dr. Thomas Oertle as Switzerland’s Ambassador-designate to Ghana, Benin and Togo, bringing extensive diplomatic experience.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 14, the Embassy said Dr Oertle brings significant experience in diplomacy, international cooperation and development to his new assignment.

Prior to his appointment, Dr Oertle served as Switzerland’s Head of Mission in Muscat, where he was responsible for diplomatic relations with the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Yemen.

He previously served as Regional Head for Swiss International Cooperation in the Horn of Africa, based in Nairobi, with responsibility for Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia.

Dr Oertle also headed the Middle East and North Africa Division of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation in Bern. He later served as Deputy Head of Mission and Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland in Damascus, covering Syria and Iraq.

His academic background is in science. Before joining the diplomatic service, he studied molecular biology and neuroscience at ETH Zurich and the Neuroscience Center Zurich, where he obtained a doctorate in natural sciences.

Commenting on his new assignment, Ambassador-designate Oertle said he was looking forward to strengthening Switzerland’s longstanding partnerships with Ghana, Benin and Togo through broader dialogue and closer engagement.

“Diplomacy is ultimately about people. I want to listen to different perspectives, bring people and ideas together, and identify areas where Switzerland and its partners can pursue common interests,” he said.

The new ambassador’s assignment comes as Switzerland continues to deepen its engagement with Ghana and the wider West African region, particularly in areas with potential for stronger economic and institutional cooperation.

The relationship also includes growing exchanges between people and institutions, creating opportunities for cooperation among governments, businesses, universities, civil society organisations and cultural institutions.