Five newly appointed Ghanaian envoys have been sworn into office with a charge to protect the country’s interests abroad and deepen trade, investment and development cooperation with their host countries.
The five were sworn in by the Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, at a ceremony yesterday.
They are Dr Robert Afriyie, Ambassador to Sierra Leone; Dr Senalor Korblah Yaovi, Ambassador to Norway; Mr Maxwell Nyarko Yartey, Ambassador to Kuwait; Mr Baba Sadiq Abdullai Abu, High Commissioner to Nigeria; and Mr Isaac Joshua Ashirifi, Ambassador to Niger.
The Vice President said the appointments came at a time of significant changes in global politics and urged the envoys to ensure that Ghana remained visible and actively engaged in international affairs.
She said the envoys had a responsibility to promote Ghana’s interests and showcase the country’s potential while ensuring that Ghanaians living abroad received professional, efficient and compassionate services.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana’s relations with Kuwait presented opportunities to expand trade, investment and development cooperation.
She, therefore, urged the new ambassador to pay particular attention to the welfare of Ghanaians living in Kuwait.
On Sierra Leone, she said the recent Ghana-Sierra Leone Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation had created an opportunity to deepen bilateral relations.
She tasked the new ambassador with translating agreements reached through the commission into practical results, particularly in the areas of trade, agriculture, energy and security.
On Nigeria, the Vice President said Ghana and Nigeria shared strong historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.
She urged the new High Commissioner to strengthen political and economic cooperation, promote trade and investment, and work with the Nigerian authorities to address concerns affecting Ghanaian citizens and businesses.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang said the new envoy to Niger was taking up his assignment at a critical time for the Sahel region.
She urged him to build on Ghana’s engagement with Niger and support efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the region.
For Norway, the Vice President said there was considerable scope for expanding cooperation in sustainable development, energy, maritime affairs, education, research and innovation.
She also encouraged the new ambassador to explore lessons from Norway’s management of its natural resources.
The Vice President assured the envoys of the government’s support and urged them to uphold high standards of professionalism.
She said they would also be expected to deliver on key performance indicators introduced for Ghana’s missions abroad.
Speaking on behalf of the envoys, Ghana’s Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Dr Robert Afriyie, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for the confidence reposed in them.
He said the five envoys had an average of 27 years of public service experience and were prepared to advance Ghana’s interests.
Dr Afriyie said economic diplomacy would remain central to their work, particularly in trade, investment, tourism, and information and communication technology (ICT).
He said the welfare of Ghanaians abroad would also remain a major priority for the envoys.
“We cannot assure you that we will pursue these goals, but I can assure you that we will pursue the interests of Ghana to the highest degree,” he said.
Dr Afriyie said the envoys would discharge their duties with diplomacy and decorum while protecting Ghana’s interests in their respective countries.
He assured the Vice President that the new envoys had taken note of the specific priorities outlined for their assignments and would work to deliver on them.
BY AGNES OPOKU SARPONG
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