Connect with us

Politics

President Akufo-Addo commissions nine envoys 

Published

on

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Monday granted letters of credence to nine new envoys, urging them to actively promote Ghana’s image and interests abroad.  

 The envoys included three High Commissioners, five Ambassadors, and an Ambassador-at-Large.  

They are, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, High Commissioner to Nigeria; Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun, High Commissioner to South Africa; Mr. Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner to Rwanda; Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Ambassador to Türkiye; and Mr. Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union. 

The others are Mrs Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador to Morocco; Ms Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi, Ambassador to Norway; Dr Robert Afriyie, Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union; and Nana Bediatuo Asante, Ambassador-at-Large.   

At a ceremony at the Jubilee House, Accra, President Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of the envoys’ role in furthering Ghana’s interests and improving its standing abroad. 

“Your primary responsibility is to promote the image of Ghana as a stable, peaceful, and forward-looking country.  

“This entails engaging with your host nations to foster strong bilateral relationships, attract investments, and advocate for the interests of Ghana,” he stated 

The President underscored the need to encourage international cooperation and strengthen diplomatic ties, given the global difficulties posed by the COVID-19 epidemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine, 

He noted that for Ghana to successfully manage those challenges, strong relationships with other countries were essential.  

“High Commissioners-designate and Ambassadors-designate, your postings have come at a particularly critical juncture not only in global affairs but also in the journey of our nation’s development.  

“The world is gradually emerging from the shadows of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left a profound impact on all facets of life,” he noted. 

President Akufo-Addo urged the new envoys to familiarize themselves with the ambitious Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme, which outlines the roadmap for revitalizing the Ghanaian economy by supporting commercial farming, building the light manufacturing sector, developing engineering and ICT industries, fast-tracking digitalization, and creating jobs for young people.   

“The Ghana CARES ‘Obaatampa’ Programme sets out our roadmap towards the strong revitalization of the Ghanaian economy. 

“Each of you must help and contribute to the success of this programme by facilitating, amongst other things, as much foreign investment into the country as you can,” he said. 

The President tasked the envoys to proactively engage with the Ghanaian community in their duty areas and leverage their potential to further the country’s development.  

“Our diaspora is a vital component of the Ghanaian fabric, contributing considerably to our economy and cultural heritage.  

“By developing a strong bond with them, you will not only provide them with a sense of belonging but also harness their potential to contribute to Ghana’s development,” he said. 

President Akufo-Addo also underlined the need for international cooperation to effectively address global concerns including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows. 

“Part of your responsibilities, at the multilateral level, is to work with the governments of your accreditation to assist in the prosecution of our common agenda in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism and violent extremism, the threats of climate change, and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa,” he stated.  

The President called for integrity and professionalism, asking the envoys to do their jobs with diligence and to improve Ghana’s image abroad.  

He told the envoys that they represented the hopes and aspirations of the Ghanaian people as they set out on their missions and that achieving those goals would have a significant impact on Ghana’s standing abroad and the country’s development.   

President Akufo-Addo urged the envoys to develop cordial relations with the professional foreign service officers at their duty post as their invaluable experience and knowledge would help them work effectively. 

“In executing your duties, it is imperative that you cultivate and maintain cordial working relationships with the professional Foreign Service officers who will be your colleagues in the high commissions and embassies.  

“Their support and collaboration will be essential in achieving your objectives and ensuring the success of your missions,” he said.  

Ambassador Tachie-Menson who spoke on behalf of his colleagues thanked the President for the appointments and the confidence reposed in them. 

He assured the President that they would work hard to achieve the development goals of the country. 

“Mr. President, your confidence in our abilities is humbling and inspiring. We are honoured to hold these positions and are devoted to our mission abroad with dedication, integrity, and unwavering commitment,” he said. 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Bawumia- “Mahama’s Economic Record Bad”

Published

on

The presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has openly criticised former President John Dramani Mahama’s economic management, describing it as the worst among Ghana’s Fourth Republic leaders.

According to him, during Mr. Mahama’s tenure, the economy experienced substantial setbacks across multiple sectors, marked by soaring inflation, sluggish growth, and increasing unemployment.

Speaking at the Ghana CEO Presidential Gala in Accra last Thursday, Dr. Bawumia asserted that his criticism was based on hard economic data rather than partisan views.

He contrasted this with what he described as Ghana’s improved economic trajectory under NPP leadership, asserting that Mr. Mahama’s tenure represented a “decisive failure in economic stewardship.”

Dr. Bawumia stressed that his analysis was intended to highlight the need for sound economic management and that his remarks were meant to shed light on measurable outcomes of Mr. Mahama’s policies, which he said weakened the country’s economic resilience.

The NPP presidential candidate expressed his commitment to building on the progress achieved under the Akufo-Addo administration.

He underscored the importance of data-driven policies and positioned himself as the candidate most capable of navigating Ghana through future economic challenges.

“Despite the impact of global economic challenges, it might surprise some, including the former president himself, that his administration ranks the lowest in economic performance among all Fourth Republic leaders,” Dr. Bawumia reiterated.

He continued, “Yet, he speaks about our economic performance as though his was superior.”

Business Development

Dr. Bawumia also used the opportunity to reaffirm his commitment to strengthening business development in the country, stressing that resilient businesses are foundational to a thriving economy.

He praised the role of the private sector in creating jobs, driving innovation, and fostering sustainable growth.

The NPP flagbearer detailed policies introduced by the current administration to support Ghanaian businesses, including initiatives aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship, expanding access to credit, and advancing digitalisation.

According to Dr. Bawumia, these steps are critical to building a competitive, innovative, and resilient business sector.

He promised that, if elected, he would continue to prioritise business growth in order to ensure the Ghanaian economy remains vibrant and competitive on a global scale.

“Ladies and gentlemen, as you may know, Bawumia means business! From banking to vice presidency, my commitment to business development has been unwavering.

“Strong businesses lead to a strong economy—show me a prosperous nation, and I’ll show you resilient businesses behind it,” he concluded.

Continue Reading

Politics

NPP, NDC have mismanaged Ghana – GUM

Published

on

The Ghana Union Movement (GUM) has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for “mismanaging the country” and supervising the sale of state-owned businesses bequeathed by previous governments.

The Party said the sale of state-owned factories to private individuals and failure to revive defunct state enterprises largely accounted for the growing youth employment situation that had bedeviled the country.

These were contained in a news release issued by the Party’s founder and leader, Reverend Christian Kwabena Andrews, and shared with the Ghana News Agency.

The GUM urged the youth to “be concerned about their future” and vote to break the duopoly enjoyed by the NPP and NDC for decades.

“Embracing both NDC and NPP as a party is just endorsement of the continuity of the Ghanaian predicament. Ghanaian youth must rise to vote massively against these parties, because they were the source of our problems today,” it said.

The GUM said the slow pace of development since the commencement of the Fourth Republic in 1992 justified the call for the “total overhaul” of the 1992 Constitution “considering the mess caused by both NDC and NPP government respectively.”

The Party proposed the adoption of what it termed as “Hybrid African Democracy” which it said was suitable governance model for the country.

“The current model was copied line, hook, and sinker from the West, where they have established and structured institutions to make their democracy work,” it said.

The GUM also called for downsizing of Parliament to reduce the cost of running the business of the House.

The Party said that salaries and benefits awarded to 275 Members of Parliament as well as Article 75 Office Holders “drain the national purse than building it.”

“We urge the public to vote for the Ghana Union Movement for a reliable, better Ghana with the Ghanaian youth as its core,” the Party said.

The GUM caused a stir when it placed third in the 2020 presidential election, beating the traditional Convention People’s Party, People’s National Convention, and the Progressive People’s Party.

The party garnered 105,548 votes, representing 0.805 per cent of the total ballots cast.

Rev. Andrews has indicated that the Party would build on its achievements in 2020 and affect the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections.

The GUM has promised to establish factories in every region and operate a free port to boost economic activities and improve the living conditions of the people.

Continue Reading

Politics

Bagbin Addresses Media Today

Published

on

In a significant development, Ghana’s Parliament Speaker, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin is set to address the media on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

The press conference, scheduled for 2:00 pm at the Justice D.F. Annan Auditorium, Job 600, Parliament House, aims to tackle critical issues affecting Ghana’s parliamentary democracy.

Recent Developments

Alban Bagbin’s address comes amidst significant political developments in Ghana.

As Speaker, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s legislative agenda.

His leadership has been marked by efforts to strengthen parliamentary oversight and promote transparency.

The engagement seeks to provide a platform for the media to discuss pressing concerns impacting Ghana’s democratic growth.

The Speaker, Alban Bagbin, is expected to shed light on recent events that have shaped the country’s political landscape.

Continue Reading

Trending