Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in diplomacy as the Conference of Heads of Mission and Orientation Programme for newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners concluded in Accra. The week-long event ended with a call to action for the new envoys and celebrated the contributions of Ghana’s veteran diplomats.
At the closing ceremony and awards night, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah praised the newly appointed envoys, describing them as a source of renewed energy and fresh perspectives for Ghana’s Foreign Service.
“Your presence signifies the infusion of fresh perspective and energy into our esteemed Foreign Service,” he said. “The team spirit and synergy developed during this five-day programme will serve you well as you represent our collective interest on the global stage.”
The orientation programme, held from September 1 to 5, focused on practical training, strategic policy direction, and knowledge exchange to prepare the diplomats for their missions. Mr. Debrah emphasized the government’s vision for a dynamic, economically driven foreign policy, rooted in peace, security, non-alignment, and Pan-African values.
“This conference has revitalized our collective diplomatic spirit. Our envoys must now champion industrialization, investment, trade value addition, and partnerships that create jobs and foster sustainable development.”
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, also commended the new envoys for their discipline and professionalism during the orientation, urging them to build on Ghana’s globally respected diplomatic legacy.
“Your punctuality, professionalism, and dedication this week demonstrate that you are ready. You are inheriting a legacy of excellence that has seen Ghanaians rise to lead major international bodies, including the United Nations and the African Union.”
He added:
“When you step into the world stage as a Ghanaian diplomat, you represent integrity, Pan-Africanism, justice, and hard work.”
In a show of regional solidarity, Senegal’s Minister for Pan-African Integration and Foreign Affairs, Madam Yassine Fall, congratulated the new envoys and reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening ties with Ghana.
“Ghana and Senegal have long been partners in promoting Pan-Africanism and regional solidarity. Our recent high-level diplomatic exchanges reflect the strength of our bilateral relationship,” she said.
She encouraged Ghana’s ambassadors to serve as bridge-builders and amplifiers of African voices in the international community.
“Wherever you are posted, you represent not just Ghana, but the hopes of the African continent.”
A highlight of the event was the honouring of five distinguished diplomats whose decades of service have shaped Ghana’s foreign policy legacy:
- Ambassador Richard Maximillian Akwei
- Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas
- Ambassador James Victor Gbeho
- Ambassador Chris Kpodo
- Dr. Obed Asamoah
Their exemplary contributions were celebrated as a beacon for the next generation of diplomats.
As the curtain fell on the conference, a shared sense of purpose and renewed commitment echoed among the participants. With the baton now passed to Ghana’s next generation of diplomats, the nation’s foreign policy outlook stands poised to blend tradition with innovation, advancing Ghana’s interests while championing Africa’s collective voice in an evolving global order.
