Ministry honours five veteran diplomats for shaping Ghana’s foreign policy
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has honoured five veteran diplomats for their service to Ghana and the international community.
The ceremony, held in Accra last Friday recognised Dr Obed Asamoah, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and Ambassador Chris Kpodo for their contributions to Ghana’s foreign policy and diplomacy.
The sector minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described them as “diplomatic giants” whose legacy would continue to guide younger generations of Foreign Service officers. “Their legacy and wisdom will not be discarded or discounted,” he said.
Dr Obed Asamoah, who served as Foreign Minister from 1982 to 1997, remains the longest-serving holder of the position.
He also served as Attorney-General, making him one of the most influential figures in Ghana’s foreign and legal affairs during a period of political transition.
Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a career diplomat and former MP for Keta, was Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from 1980 to 1990. He later served as Foreign Minister between 1997 and 2001 and became President of the ECOWAS Commission from 2010 to 2012.
He is recognised for his leadership in multilateral diplomacy.
Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas began his career as Deputy Foreign Minister in the early 1990s. He went on to serve as President of the ECOWAS Commission from 2002 to 2006, Executive Secretary of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, and later as United Nations Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel. He currently serves as the African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, tasked with advancing peace efforts across the continent.
Ambassador Chris Kpodo joined the Foreign Service in 1973. He served as Ghana’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and later as Deputy Foreign Minister under President John Atta Mills. He is known for mentoring young diplomats and for his professionalism in both bilateral and regional assignments.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah commended the honourees for strengthening Ghana’s reputation as a trusted voice in diplomacy.
He said their work had laid the foundation for the country’s current pursuit of economic diplomacy aimed at attracting investment, jobs, and technology for Ghanaians.
Mr Ablakwa noted that by celebrating these statesmen, Ghana was not only acknowledging past achievements but also challenging today’s diplomats to uphold the values of excellence, Pan-Africanism, fairness, and justice in their service to the nation.
