Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday commissioned the second batch of 11 new ambassadors and high commissioners at the Presidency in Accra. The 11 new envoys included Mr Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa, Captain George Kofi Nfojoh (Rtd) High Commissioner to Togo, Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh High Commissioner to Canada, Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna Attah, High Commissioner to Namibia, and Mr Kojo Choi, Ambassador to South Korea.
According to Ghana News Agency, the rest were Dr Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary, Mr Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sir Benedict Batatabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican City), Prof. Mrs Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Swiss Confederation, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi, Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, and Mr Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.
In his address, President Mahama advised the new envoys to ensure that accountability was their hallmark. ‘Transparency should be your practice. The values we instill at home, efficiency, ethical governance, and service delivery must be reflected in every Ghanaian mission abroad,’ he stated.
The President emphasized the enhanced service conditions under the new Foreign Service Regulations. ‘You are going to be better resourced than your predecessors, but with these improved conditions comes greater responsibility. The people of Ghana expect results. And as you say, to whom much is given, much is expected.’
He reminded the new envoys to carry with them the flag of Ghana, the trust of their President, and the hopes of millions of their people in their respective postings. ‘As you go out, you’ll encounter challenges, but you’ll also find opportunities for growth. Seize them with courage, defend Ghana’s interests with pride, and serve your nation with integrity and vision,’ he said.
The President urged the envoys to ensure that their actions abroad advance Ghana’s research agenda and uplift the lives of citizens. He extended his best wishes for their successful tour of duty, hoping their service would bring honor to Ghana and prosperity to its people.
Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada, expressed gratitude on behalf of her colleagues for the trust placed in them. ‘Your Excellency, we accept this noble responsibility with deep humility and an abiding sense of duty to our nation. We acknowledge that to serve as the President’s representatives abroad is both a privilege and a solemn charge,’ she said.