The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has sworn in five new ambassadors at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House, the seat of government yesterday.
The five are Mrs. Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman for Austria; Ms. Vivian Kafui Akua Asempapa for Sénégal; Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam for Spain; Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong for Iran and Dr. Senalor Kwabla Yawlui for Sierra Leone.
The President administered the oaths of office, allegiance and secrecy to the new envoys.
EXPERIENCE
Addressing the career diplomats, President Akufo-Addo indicated that they bring years of experience in public service to their new roles.
He said that they had been appointed in consultation with the Council of State and that the postings were pivotal to Ghana’s diplomatic strategy, especially post-COVID.
RESPONSIBILITY
President Akufo-Addo reminded the envoys of their dual responsibilities of representing Ghana’s interests abroad and engaging the Diaspora to contribute to national development.
He also emphasised the need for collaboration with Foreign Service officers, describing them as the backbone of Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
“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,” he stated.
“Diplomacy is not just about high-level meetings and negotiations; it is about building bridges and finding common ground. Your ability to empathise, listen and communicate effectively will be your greatest asset,” President Akufo-Addo advised.
As the ambassadors prepared for their postings, the President reiterated his commitment to free, fair and transparent elections in December.
He affirmed that Ghana’s democratic credentials must remain untainted and that the will of the people would be safeguarded.
“Ghana has been a beacon of democracy in Africa. We must work together to ensure a peaceful and orderly election period,” he said.
The president called on the ambassadors to uphold Ghana’s values of peace, integrity and democratic governance in their missions abroad.
“You are the face of Ghana to the world. Carry out your duties with professionalism and integrity and let your efforts bring honour to our nation,” President Akufo-Addo urged.
President Akufo-Addo celebrated the nation’s elevation to full membership in La Francophonie and the election of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
These milestones, he said, solidified Ghana’s position as a bridge between Anglophone and Francophone countries in Africa.
GRATITUDE
On behalf of the envoys, Ms. Vivian Kafui Akua Asempapa for Sénégal thanked the President and the people of Ghana for entrusting them with “the noble assignment.”
She said they accepted the charge and pledged to uphold the oath and responsibility that come with the role.
