ACCRA, Ghana, 16th October: President John Dramani Mahama has tasked Ghana’s Permanent Representativento Switzerland, Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, to advance the country’s interests in international institutions, with particular attention to health sovereignty, trade, labour and human rights.
He said Ghana’s representation at international organisations must be supported by clearly articulated positions, sustained diplomatic engagement and strategic partnerships with countries that share its interests.
Speaking during the swearing-in of four diplomatic appointees, President Mahama urged the incoming permanent representative to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that Ghana’s negotiating positions reflected the country’s priorities.
He also called on the envoy to build coalitions with African countries and other partners to ensure that international rules adequately considered the needs of developing economies.
Ghana’s Human Rights Council membership
President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s re-election to the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term, describing it as a renewed responsibility for the country to contribute credibly and purposefully to the work of the Council.
He commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the ministry for what he described as a successful campaign to secure the position.
The President said Ghana’s mission in Geneva must translate the confidence placed in the country into constructive service on the Council.
He urged the permanent representative-designate to maintain effective engagement with other delegations and ensure that Ghana’s positions were consistently communicated and defended.
Advancing the Accra Reset agenda
President Mahama further directed the incoming envoy to advance the Accra Reset agenda in Geneva, particularly in discussions on health sovereignty, equitable access to essential health products and the strengthening of national capacity.
He said Ghana’s broader development ambitions required partnerships that enabled the country to meet more of its own needs and reduced dependence on arrangements that could leave it vulnerable.
The President also linked the country’s diplomatic priorities to the government’s efforts to improve the management of natural resources, attract investment and promote local value addition.
BRICS partnership and South-South cooperation
President Mahama said Ghana’s decision to apply for partnership with the BRICS countries reflected the government’s determination to broaden its development partnerships and deepen South-South cooperation.
He directed the envoys to explain the policy clearly to international partners as Ghana seeks wider opportunities in trade, investment, industrialisation and value addition.
He stressed, however, that broadening partnerships must go hand in hand with maintaining Ghana’s longstanding relationships and working ties with traditional partners.
The President urged the appointees to use Article 40 of Ghana’s Constitution as a guide in promoting the country’s interests, upholding international law and contributing to a just and equitable international order through peaceful cooperation.
Accountability in diplomatic missions
President Mahama also reminded the envoys that their key performance indicators provided a framework for accountability and must be taken seriously.
He called on them to establish clear priorities, use public resources responsibly and demonstrate measurable progress in their assignments.
He added that the appointees must work within the government’s policy framework, coordinate closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and provide timely and reliable advice on developments in their respective areas of responsibility.
The other appointees sworn in were Nana Antwiwaa Dodoo, Ambassador to Angola; Louis Kwame Obeng, Ambassador to Qatar; and Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, Ambassador to Israel.
President Mahama urged all four envoys to uphold professional discipline and sound judgement, stressing that their service must reflect the dignity of Ghana and place the country’s interests at the centre of their work.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭