The Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has called on the staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deepen their role in projecting Ghana’s image and advancing national interests abroad.
Speaking on Wednesday during a working visit to the Ministry in Accra, she commended the workforce for its dedication and noted the strong presence of women within the institution.
“I also take note of the fact that you have a high percentage of women, and I want to thank you for this,” she added.
She reflected on Ghana’s potential and urged public servants to act responsibly toward the people, noting that their actions should have a positive impact and that public service must deliver results that are fair and beneficial to all.
The Vice President reminded Foreign Service officers of their role as representatives of the country abroad.
“You are our eyes and ears out of the country, you have a unique responsibility to ensure that the image of this country is raised and maintained while commending ongoing efforts within the Ministry,” she said.
On global engagement, she referred to the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 350, describing it as relevant beyond Ghana and Africa.
She noted that the resolution speaks not only to this country or the continent but beyond it, and urged officials to focus on listening and addressing gaps in international cooperation.
Prof. Opoku Agyemang welcomed reforms such as the introduction of regional passport application centres, reduced e-visa costs and the one-day passport service, describing these as practical measures that respond to the needs of the people.
She also drew attention to the need for Ghana to expand its economic presence abroad, questioning the balance of trade and investment by asking how many Ghanaian businesses operate in those countries.
The Vice President encouraged the Ministry to work with relevant agencies to support Ghanaian enterprises overseas and called for continued attention to staff welfare, including transportation, adding that workers are human beings whose needs matter and expressed hope for reliable transport systems across the public sector.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
