President Akufo-Addo has charged six new envoys of Ghana to fight against the threat of climate change and terrorism, among others.
The President told the envoys that the charge was part of their responsibilities as Ghana’s representatives at the multilateral levels.
“Part of your responsibilities at the multi-lateral level is to work with the governments of your accreditations to assist in the prosecution of our common agenda, in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, the threats of climate change and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa.
While at it, you also have the onerous responsibility of promoting the image of the country, whose reputation among the comity of nations continues to be high,” he said.
President Akufo-Addo said these on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at a ceremony to swear in a High Commissioner and five Ambassadors, held at Jubilee House.
RECOVERY
President Akufo-Addo told the envoys that their appointments have come at a time when nations are on the road to recovery, following the twin devastating impacts of COVID-19 and the Russian-Ukraine war.
He reminded them of the measures Ghana has taken to support the recovery process by securing a US$3 billion extended credit facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
He directed them to ensure that at their various duty posts, they pursue the interest of Ghana to support government’s efforts, which are aimed at ensuring economic growth and development.
“We [Ghana] are considered a beacon of democracy in Africa. You are the most visible symbol of our country out there and in all your actions, you must guard jealously our country’s image.
“I am confident this is a charge you will keep,” President Akufo-Addo said.
THE ENVOYS
The six Ghanaian career diplomats were sworn into office by President Akufo-Addo at a ceremony and included the immediate past Director of state protocol, Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah, who is now Ghana’s High Commissioner to Australia. He will be stationed in Canberra, the capital city.
Until last Wednesday, Ambassador Kumah led President Akufo-Addo to all his public assignments for the past three years.
The other envoys are; Doris Adzo Denyo Brese, Ambassador to Czechia, stationed in Prague; Mohammed Habib Idris, Ambassador to Kuwait, stationed in Kuwait City; Kingsford Amoako, Ambassador to Liberia, who will be in Monrovia; Mark Michael Entsie, Ambassador to Libya, to be in Tripoli and Alex Owiredu Adu, Ambassador to Niger, to be stationed in Niamey.
At the swearing-in ceremony by President Akufo-Addo, the envoys swore the oaths of allegiance, office and secrecy and received their instruments of appointment in turn. All six envoys then signed the oath book, followed by the president.
COMMENDATION
In his address, President Akufo-Addo singled out Ambassador Kumah for special mention, commending him for his exceptional service as Director of state protocol over the past three years.
“He has been at my side since he assumed this role some three years ago, during which time he has served with commitment, competence, diligence, honesty, humility and integrity,” President Akufo-Addo said.
“I am extremely sad to see him go, but at the same time happy to see that his decades of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he once served as Chief of Protocol for three years, have today been rewarded with the highest position available at the ministry,” the president said.
DIPLOMATIC DÉMARCHE
In his response to President Akufo-Addo on behalf of his five colleagues, the new high commissioner to Australia, Samuel Kumah, expressed their appreciation to the president for finding it worthy to appoint them to represent Ghana overseas.
“We are taking on our new assignment at a critical juncture in world history characterized by a rise in geopolitical tensions, a weakening of multilateralism, and a failing global financial situation,” he said.
“Fortunately, you have set the agenda for us. We will, therefore, leverage this to seek the enlightened self-interest of Ghana in our diplomatic démarche,” High Commissioner Kumah said.
“We will forge closer ties and collaboration with all of Ghana’s bilateral partners, drive foreign investment into Ghana, foster greater links with the Diasporan community and ensure the protection of all Ghanaians who reside in the various jurisdictions, to which we have been posted,” he pledged.
