Born by the slopes of Mount Gara Muleta, Harerghe province of Eastern Ethiopia, Ketema rose to the highest levels of Emperor Haile Selassie's government, including Foreign Minister between 1961 and 1970. He was a son of a farmer in rural Gara Muleta.
Ketema originated from the foothills of Mount Gara Muleta in Harerghe province, Eastern Ethiopia. He rose to prominence within Emperor Haile Selassie's administration, serving as Foreign Minister between 1961 and 1970. His humble beginnings as a rural farmer's son are also noteworthy.