Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Monday commissioned five new envoys, charging them to articulate a Ghanaian voice that speaks with clarity, confidence, and conviction in pursuit of an Africa that is respected, prosperous, and united.
According to Ghana News Agency, the five new envoys include Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare, Ghana's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Lieutenant Colonel Al Hajj Umar Sanda Ahmed (Rtd), Ambassador to Mali; Mr. Kofi Attor, Ambassador to Cuba; Mr. Emmanuel Opeku, Ambassador-in-Situ and Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam, High Commissioner to Malta. The President, speaking at the Presidency in Accra, emphasized that Ghana's diplomacy would be assessed based on results rather than ceremony alone. He urged the envoys to translate their work into tangible benefits like jobs, growth, and security for the Ghanaian people.
President Mahama instructed the envoys to prioritize economic diplomacy by attracting strategic investments, expanding non-traditional exports, promoting tourism, facilitating innovation and technology transfer, and enhancing Ghana's competitiveness in global markets. He highlighted the importance of partnerships, market openings, and investor attraction as serving broader national purposes.
The President outlined the government's Reset Agenda, focused on integrity, efficiency, accountability, and results-driven governance. He challenged the envoys to move from passive representation to purposeful engagement and from routine reporting to proactive problem-solving. Mission plans, he said, must align with Ghana's development priorities, and a performance management framework with clear key performance indicators has been introduced to strengthen accountability and reward excellence.
President Mahama reiterated that the envoys' performance would be evaluated based on trade and investment outcomes, quality of partnerships, consular service efficiency, diaspora engagement, and prudent management of public resources. He stressed the need for discipline and prudence, mentioning cost containment measures like rent ceilings for missions.
The President emphasized that Ghana's diplomacy should be known for excellence, value for money, transparency, and responsible stewardship. He urged the envoys to uphold the highest ethical standards, respect confidentiality, and embody values such as honesty, respect, fairness, professionalism, and service.
He encouraged engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora, recognizing them as a vital national asset contributing to the economy and culture. The envoys were urged to be welcoming and responsive to the diaspora's issues, ensuring professional and compassionate assistance.
The President also called for a harmonious, disciplined, and professional work environment within the missions, asserting that effective leadership abroad begins with unity within the mission. He expressed confidence in the competence and dedication of the newly commissioned envoys.
Colonel Al Hajj Umar Sanda Ahmed (Rtd), Ambassador to Mali, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, thanked the President for the honor bestowed upon them and pledged to fulfill their mandate. Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang was present at the ceremony.