ACCRA, Ghana, 11th November: President John Dramani Mahama has urged 11 newly accredited diplomatic envoys to use their respective tenures in Ghana to identify and develop new areas of cooperation that will deliver tangible benefits to their countries and the Ghanaian people.
Addressing the diplomats during the presentation of their Letters of Credence at the Presidency, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships through friendship, mutual respect and economic cooperation.
He assured the envoys of his government’s full support and cooperation as they begin their diplomatic assignments in the country.
The 11 envoys are High Commissioner Linda Vuyolwethu Shongwe of South Africa, High Commissioner Shehu Ilu Barde of Nigeria, High Commissioner Surinder Bhagat of India, Ambassador Fouad Khazzaka of Lebanon and High Commissioner Keara Shaw of Australia.
The others are Ambassador Dr. Thomas Oertle of Switzerland, Ambassador Hans Theodoor Marius Akerboom of the Netherlands, Ambassador Sanna Selin of Finland, Ambassador Martin Pordstavek of Slovakia, Ambassador Anna Westerholm of Sweden and Ambassador Thirapath Mongkolnavin of Thailand.
President Mahama acknowledged that although Ghana and the respective countries differ in geography, history, culture and levels of socio-economic development, they remain connected by shared aspirations and a common desire to promote friendly relations.
He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, particularly the promotion of international peace, prosperity, human dignity and a more just and equitable international order.
“I encourage your full and active engagement to identify and develop new areas of meaningful cooperation that would positively affect the lives of our two peoples,” he stated.
The President also expressed confidence that the diplomatic engagements of the newly accredited envoys would strengthen existing relationships and open new opportunities for cooperation.
He encouraged them to prioritise practical initiatives that would translate diplomatic relations into improved economic opportunities and development outcomes for citizens.
President Mahama further assured the diplomats that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government institutions would provide the necessary assistance to ensure successful and productive tenures in Ghana.
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Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭