President Mahama commissions second batch of ambassadors and high commissioners

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a second batch of ambassadors and high commissioners to represent Ghana worldwide.

The commissioning ceremony took place at the Presidency on Wednesday with the first batch having been commissioned on September 4.

Speaking at the event, President Mahama said the new cohort will enhance Ghana’s international presence and ensure that diplomacy serves not only as an instrument of prestige but also as a catalyst for national renewal, service and opportunity.

“It gives me immense pride to welcome you all to the Presidency for yet another important moment in the life of this Administration. Today we commission a new cohort of Ambassadors and High Commissioners to represent Ghana worldwide,” he said.

The President congratulated each appointee on their selection. “Your selection as Ambassadors and High Commissioners is no coincidence. It reflects years of dedicated service, discipline and the confidence that takes place in you to represent Ghana in your respective roles,” he said.

President Mahama announced that for the first time in Ghana’s diplomatic practice the government has introduced KPIs, Key Performance Indicators, to define the mandates of envoys.

“These KPIs are not merely bureaucratic checklists. They serve as tools for transformation. Your purpose is to ensure that each handshake, each negotiation and every agreement you engage in delivers real benefits for the people of Ghana. 

“Therefore, I expect you to be guided by them, to report on them and to uphold them as a commitment of your service to your country,” he said.

The President told the envoys that they have been thoroughly briefed on the RESET Agenda which is the national blueprint for restoring hope, rebuilding trust and rekindling prosperity.

“The RESET Agenda is not just a slogan, it is a programme of reform and renewal that aims to make government more accountable, the economy more resilient and our society more inclusive. But national renewal cannot succeed through domestic action alone. The world is interconnected,” he said.

He added that the RESET Agenda will succeed or fail depending on the partnerships the envoys build, the opportunities they create and the confidence they inspire abroad about Ghana.

“It is therefore your solemn duty to portray Ghana as a credible, trustworthy and forward-looking nation. You must present Ghana as a land of stability, a country that keeps faith with its people and its partners, and a place where investment yields not only profits but shared prosperity,” he added.

President Mahama told the diplomats that their foremost responsibility is to tell Ghana’s story with conviction and credibility. 

He urged that they must present Ghana as a stable democracy with a proven record of peaceful transitions, a land of opportunity open for trade and investment, a hub for technology innovation and creative economy, a vibrant cultural nation and good tourist destination, and above all a people determined to create jobs for the youth.

“Economic diplomacy must be sharpened. I expect you to actively promote Ghana’s exports, secure new markets for our goods, and attract investment for priority projects under the 24-Hour Economy Initiative, the Big Push Infrastructure Programme, and our ambitious Renewable Energy Transition Programme,” he implored.

The President said the government has enhanced the 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,” he said.

The newly commissioned ambassadors and high commissioners are Mr. Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner-designate to Pretoria, Republic of South Africa; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner-designate to Lome, Togolese Republic; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner-designate to Ottawa, Canada; and Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, High Commissioner-designate to Windhoek, Republic of Namibia.

Others are Kojo Choi, Ambassador-designate to South Korea; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador-designate to Budapest, Hungary; Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador-designate to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo; Mr. Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador-designate to Vatican City; Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah, Ambassador-designate to Berne, Swiss Confederation; Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi, Ambassador-designate to Belgrade, Republic of Serbia; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador-designate to Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD