ACCRA, Ghana, 16th October: President John Dramani Mahama has directed Ghana’s incoming ambassador to Israel, Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, to ensure that the country’s diplomatic engagement with Israel remains consistent with Ghana’s position on Palestine and international law.
He said Ghana recognises the sovereign State of Palestine and supports a viable two-state solution that allows Israel and Palestine to coexist peacefully and securely within internationally recognised and secure borders.
President Mahama gave the directive during the swearing-in of four ambassadorial appointees, stressing that Ghana’s foreign policy must uphold international law, protect civilians and respect the dignity of all people.
He said the credibility of the international system depended on the consistent application of these principles.
The President’s remarks came as he outlined the responsibilities of the ambassador-designate to Israel, including strengthening bilateral cooperation in agriculture, technology, health, water management and education.
He urged the envoy to identify partnerships that would develop Ghanaian expertise and respond to clearly defined national needs.
Labour mobility and health workforce
President Mahama also directed the ambassador-designate to advance discussions on the proposed labour-mobility agreement between Ghana and Israel.
He said any arrangement involving the deployment of qualified Ghanaian health professionals must protect their rights and welfare while taking into account Ghana’s own healthcare workforce requirements.
The President further called for effective monitoring of Ghanaian agricultural interns participating in Israel’s MASHAV programme.
He said their safety, training conditions and general welfare must receive active attention, urging the ambassador-designate to identify potential problems early and address them without delay.
President Mahama emphasised that Ghana’s international partnerships must contribute to national development while safeguarding the interests of its citizens.
Cooperation with Israel
The President identified agriculture, technology, healthcare, water management and education as areas in which Ghana could deepen cooperation with Israel to support its development priorities.
He urged the new envoy to focus on partnerships that build local capacity rather than arrangements that leave Ghana dependent on external expertise.
The ambassador-designate was also expected to help expand opportunities for skills development and employment while ensuring that bilateral agreements deliver practical benefits.
Ghana’s broader foreign policy
President Mahama told all four appointees that their diplomatic responsibilities must be carried out within the government’s established foreign policy framework.
He said Ghana remained committed to promoting peaceful cooperation, protecting its national interests and contributing to a just and equitable international order.
The other appointees are Nana Antwiwaa Dodoo, Ambassador to Angola; Louis Kwame Obeng, Ambassador to Qatar; and Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, Permanent Representative to Switzerland.
The President urged the envoys to exercise sound judgement and professional discipline, stressing that their conduct must reflect the dignity of the Republic of Ghana.
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/ Presidential Affairs Correspondent | Ghana 🇬🇭