President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his dedication to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in December.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining Ghana’s democratic integrity and pledged to protect the will of the populace.
Ghana has been a beacon of democracy in Africa. We must work together to ensure a peaceful and orderly election period.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, he made this statement during the swearing-in ceremony of five new ambassadors at the Jubilee House in Accra. He emphasized the vital importance of diplomacy in promoting Ghana’s national interests and improving its standing on the global stage.
The five newly appointed ambassadors—Mrs. Matilda Aku Alomatu Osei-Agyeman (Austria), Ms. Vivian Kafui Akua Asempapa (Senegal), Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam (Spain), Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong (Iran), and Dr. Senalor Kwabla Yawlui (Sierra Leone)—bring a wealth of public service experience to their respective positions.
Their appointments were made following consultations with the Council of State, underscoring Ghana’s constitutional dedication to transparent governance.
In his remarks, President Akufo-Addo characterized the ambassadors’ assignments as crucial to Ghana’s diplomatic initiatives, particularly during a time of significant global challenges.
He highlighted the ongoing repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic turmoil resulting from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the necessity of enhancing international collaboration and promoting economic recovery.
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.
In emphasizing the Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme, President Akufo-Addo called upon the ambassadors to advocate for Ghana’s economic revitalization efforts on the international stage.
Initiated in 2021, this program prioritizes sectors such as commercial agriculture, information and communication technology development, and job creation. He urged the diplomats to seek foreign investments that align with these goals to facilitate Ghana’s journey towards sustainable growth.
The event also provided a platform to acknowledge Ghana’s recent diplomatic successes. President Akufo-Addo highlighted the country’s advancement to full membership in La Francophonie and the election of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
He noted that these achievements reinforce Ghana’s role as a connector between Anglophone and Francophone nations in Africa. The President reminded the ambassadors of their dual roles: to represent Ghana’s interests overseas and to engage with the diaspora in support of national development.
He further stressed the importance of collaboration with Foreign Service officers, whom he referred to as “the backbone of Ghana’s diplomatic missions.”
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.
The ceremony came to a close with an appeal for the ambassadors to embody Ghana’s principles of peace, integrity, and democratic governance in their international assignments. President Akufo-Addo emphasized.
You represent Ghana on the global stage. Execute your responsibilities with professionalism and integrity, ensuring that your endeavors reflect positively on our nation.
