President John Dramani Mahama has charged Ghana’s newly commissioned High Commissioners and Ambassadors to conduct themselves in a manner that is national in character, above partisanship, and firmly guided by the supreme interests of the Republic of Ghana.
He issued the charge during a commissioning ceremony at the Flagstaff House, where he formally appointed five envoys to represent Ghana abroad.
President Mahama told the envoys that from now onwards they must embody Ghana’s unity, its values, credibility, and aspirations.
He stated that the appointment is not merely an honor but a call to high national service.
“Your conduct must be national in character, above partisanship, and firmly guided by the supreme interests of the Republic of Ghana,” President Mahama said.
He stated that the envoys are entrusted with safeguarding and strengthening Ghana’s strong reputation as a stable democracy and a responsible nation, a reputation built through decades of sacrifice and national consensus.
President Mahama said the envoys must project Ghana as a dependable partner, a predictable destination for business and tourism, and a principled yet pragmatic voice in regional and global affairs.
He emphasized that beyond policies and targets, diplomacy is ultimately about character.
The President said the envoys are the living faces of Ghana and must conduct themselves with dignity, discipline, and humility.
President Mahama urged them to uphold the highest ethical standards, respect confidentiality, and let their conduct reflect the values of honesty, respect, fairness, professionalism, and service.
“Listen carefully, speak thoughtfully, negotiate wisely and represent Ghana with confidence,” he said.
He stated that the envoys have been selected based on character, competence, and experience, and are assuming their responsibilities at a time of profound global change.
President Mahama noted that geopolitical tensions, economic realignments, technological disruptions, and climate pressures are reshaping international relations.
He said Ghana expects sound judgment, strategic thinking, disciplined leadership, and unwavering commitment to national interests from the envoys.
The President also introduced a performance management framework for heads of mission. He stated that performance will be assessed on outcomes in trade and investment, the quality of partnerships built, the efficiency of consular services, engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora, and the prudent management of public resources.
He said, as heads of mission, the envoys are required to move from passive representation to purposeful engagement, from routine reporting to proactive problem-solving, and from presence to impact.
President Mahama stated that Ghana’s diplomacy will be judged not by its ceremony alone but by results. He said the work of envoys must translate into jobs, growth, opportunities, security, and measurable benefits for the people.
The newly commissioned envoys are Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare, Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Lt. Col. Al Hajj Umar Sanda Ahmed, Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Mali; Mr. Kofi Attor, Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Cuba; Mr. Emmanuel Opeku, Ambassador-in-Situ; and Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam, High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of Malta.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
