ACCRA, Ghana, 11th November: President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghana’s diplomatic partners to support the country’s efforts to advance the African Union’s priorities and sustain the campaign for reparatory justice.
He said Ghana would require the cooperation of its international partners as he prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government in 2027.
President Mahama made the appeal during the presentation of Letters of Credence by 11 newly accredited envoys at the Presidency.
Addressing the diplomats, the President said their respective governments had important roles to play in supporting Ghana’s diplomatic priorities, particularly as the country prepares to take on the continental leadership responsibility.
“As you may all be aware, I will assume the chairmanship of the African Union Assemblies of Heads of State in 2027. I count on your government’s cooperation to advance the priorities of the African Union,” he stated.
He also called for their support in sustaining the momentum behind the reparatory justice agenda, which seeks to address historical injustices and their enduring consequences.
“I also count on your support to sustain the momentum on the reparatory justice agenda,” President Mahama added.
The appeal was directed to the 11 envoys representing South Africa, Nigeria, India, Lebanon, Australia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Slovakia, Sweden and Thailand.
The diplomats 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 other envoys 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 stressed that diplomacy should go beyond formal government engagements to build meaningful relationships between people and create opportunities for cooperation.
He said diplomatic relations should help countries understand one another, address common challenges and develop fair arrangements that promote shared prosperity.
“Diplomacy is ultimately about building bridges between people,” he said.
The President further noted that ambassadors and high commissioners play a critical role in strengthening relationships between their countries and Ghana.
He expressed confidence that the newly accredited envoys would use their respective assignments to deepen international cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to the people they represent.
He assured them of the full support and cooperation of the Ghanaian government, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, throughout their diplomatic assignments.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW 👇:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️) Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭
