Banner of Commissions: CND and CCPCJ
In line with ECOSOC decision 2022/316, the working group is led by a Bureau comprising one Chair, one First Vice-Chair and three Vice-Chairs, representing the five regional groups. The offices rotate annually on the basis of regional distribution. Members of the Bureau are jointly nominated by the Bureaux of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice and endorsed by the two Commissions.
The Bureau of FINGOV meets on a regular basis throughout the year, to discuss preparations for and follow-up to regular meetings of the working group, as well as other relevant matters.
H.E. Ambassador Takeshi Hikihara of Japan (Group of Asia-Pacific States)
H.E. Ambassador Eglantina Gjermeni of Albania (Group of Eastern European States)
H.E. Ambassador Alejandro Edmundo Solano Ortiz of Costa Rica (Group of Latin American and Caribbean States)
H.E. Ambassador Esther Monterrubio Villar of Spain (Group of Western European and Other States)
H.E. Philbert Isaac Kobina Abaka Johnson is a career diplomat with three decades of experience in the field. Prior to his current appointment, he served in various capacities in Ghana Missions in Ottawa, New York, Brussels, Moscow and Berne. He also served as Head of various divisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration including Africa and Regional Integration Bureau and Europe Bureau. He was the first Director of Diaspora Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. From 1995 to 1996, he was the Special Assistant to the Special Representative of the Chairman of ECOWAS in Liberia.
Ambassador Johnson holds Masters’ Degrees in International Affairs from the University of Ghana and in International Trade Law and Economics from the World Trade Institute in Berne, Switzerland. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and a Diploma in Education from the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.
He has participated in several courses in diplomacy, leadership and mediation. He has also been a member of Ghana’s delegation to several international meetings and conferences.
Ambassador Johnson is interested in issues that require analytical and progressive thinking on sustainable development, Diaspora Engagement, International Trade Law and Economics as well as Conflict Resolution.
