On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo swore in five new ambassadors at the Jubilee House in Accra in a ceremony rich with custom and patriotism.
The occasion emphasized how important diplomacy is to furthering Ghana’s interests as a nation and improving its standing internationally.
In their new positions, the five ambassadors, Ms. Vivian Kafui Akua Asempapa (Senegal), Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam (Spain), Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong (Iran), Dr. Senalor Kwabla Yawlui (Sierra Leone), and Mrs. Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman (Austria), bring years of public service experience.
In keeping with Ghana’s constitutional commitment to open governance, their selections came after discussions with the Council of State.
President Akufo-Addo said in his speech that the ambassadors’ postings were essential to Ghana’s diplomatic strategy, particularly at a time when the world was in turmoil.
He emphasized the significance of promoting global collaboration and economic recovery, citing the COVID-19 pandemic’s aftereffects as well as the economic disruptions brought on by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
“Your postings have come at a critical juncture in global affairs and Ghana’s development journey. The challenges of the past years have taught us that no country can stand alone. Diplomacy and international partnerships are more important than ever,” the President said.
President Akufo-Addo asked the ambassadors to advance Ghana’s economic revival agenda overseas, highlighting the Ghana CARES “Obaatampa” Program.
Launched in 2021, the program focuses on topics like job creation, ICT growth, and commercial farming.
In order to guarantee Ghana’s return to a path of sustainable growth, he tasked the envoys with luring in international investments that matched these goals.
The event provided a chance to consider Ghana’s recent diplomatic successes as well. President Akufo-Addo praised Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey’s election as the Commonwealth’s Secretary-General and the country’s promotion to full membership in La Francophonie.
He claimed that these achievements strengthened Ghana’s standing as an African link between Anglophone and Francophone nations.
The ambassadors’ dual duties of advocating Ghana’s interests overseas and enlisting the diaspora to support national development were brought home to them by the president.
As “the backbone of Ghana’s diplomatic missions,” he further underlined the importance of working with Foreign Service officers.
“Diplomacy is not just about high-level meetings and negotiations; it is about building bridges and finding common ground. Your ability to empathize, listen, and communicate effectively will be your greatest assets,” President Akufo-Addo advised.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to free, fair, and transparent elections in December as the ambassadors get ready for their posts.
He declared that the people’s will would be protected and that Ghana’s democratic credentials must be untarnished.
“Ghana has been a beacon of democracy in Africa. We must work together to ensure a peaceful and orderly election period,” he said.
The ambassadors were urged to follow Ghana’s ideals of integrity, peace, and democratic governance in their overseas postings as the ceremony came to a close.
“You are the face of Ghana to the world. Carry out your duties with professionalism and integrity, and let your efforts bring honor to our nation,” President Akufo-Addo urged.
Source: newsthemegh.com