President John Dramani Mahama has charged four newly appointed ambassadors designate to prioritise economic diplomacy, the welfare of Ghanaians abroad, and the projection of Ghana’s interests on the global stage.
The President gave the charge when he commissioned the envoys at a ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday.
The envoys are Nana Antwiwaa Dodoo, Ambassador designate to the Republic of Angola; Louis Kwame Obeng, Ambassador designate to the State of Qatar; Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, Ambassador designate to the State of Israel; and Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, Permanent Representative designate to Switzerland.
The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Redefining diplomacy
In a comprehensive address, President Mahama stated that the selection of the envoys reflected confidence in their professional competence and judgment, but stressed that their mandate extended beyond the routine conduct of official relations.
“Your work must help create opportunities for the Ghanaian people, protect our citizens abroad, and ensure that Ghana's voice carries weight in the decisions made on the global stage that will affect our future,” he said.
Acknowledging a rapidly changing international environment characterised by shifting alliances, trade restrictions, and intensifying competition over technology and natural resources, the President said Ghana must engage the world with confidence.
He noted that the government’s “RESET” agenda was central to this engagement, explaining that it involved building local capacity in health, securing fair returns for natural resources, and taking greater responsibility for defining development priorities.
Economic diplomacy, 24-Hour Economy
President Mahama tasked the envoys to translate these ambitions into the daily work of their missions, linking their efforts directly to the government’s flagship policies.
“The 24-hour Economy policy and the Big Push infrastructure programme are central to that effort,” he said, adding that missions must identify investors whose interests align with Ghana’s development goals.
He specifically highlighted the establishment of the Ghana Gold Board and the push for local processing of critical minerals such as lithium, bauxite, and manganese.
“Your task is to attract the investments and expertise necessary to help turn these resources into productive industries and lasting employment. Judge the success of your economic diplomacy by the opportunities you are able to bring to Ghana,” he directed.
17th Region
Touching on the welfare of citizens abroad, the President reiterated his declaration of the diaspora as the 17th region of Ghana, urging the envoys to ensure that missions serve as offices that listen and respond to the needs of Ghanaians.
“Consular services must be accessible and efficient, and assistance to citizens in distress must be treated as one of your priorities,” he said.
Specific mandates
Addressing the specific assignments, President Mahama urged the Ambassador designate to Angola, Nana Antwiwaa Dodoo, to build on long-standing bonds of friendship by expanding trade and convening the 7th session of the Ghana-Angola Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation in 2027.
He noted that cooperation with Angola would be crucial as Ghana prepares to assume the chairmanship of the African Union in 2027, charging her to sustain international attention on the issue of reparatory justice.
To the Ambassador designate to Qatar, Louis Kwame Obeng, the President emphasised the effective implementation of the labour-mobility agreement, insisting that clear safeguards for the rights and welfare of Ghanaian workers must accompany employment opportunities.
For the Ambassador designate to Israel, Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, President Mahama highlighted opportunities in agriculture and technology but emphasised the need to safeguard the welfare of Ghanaian health professionals and agricultural interns under the MASHAV programme.
He also reiterated Ghana’s position on Palestine, stating: “We recognise the sovereign State of Palestine and support a viable two-state solution.”
Geneva, global governance
To the Permanent Representative designate to Switzerland, Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, the President underscored the importance of Ghana’s re-election to the Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term.
He tasked the envoy to advance the Accra Reset agenda in Geneva, particularly regarding health sovereignty and equitable access to health products, while building coalitions with African countries.
Call to service
President Mahama also touched on Ghana’s application for partnership with the BRICS countries, explaining that it reflected a determination to broaden development partnerships and deepen South-South cooperation.
He concluded by reminding the envoys to be guided by Article 40 of the Constitution, urging them to maintain professional discipline and sound judgment.
“The confidence placed in you must be matched by professional discipline and sound judgement. Let your conduct reflect the dignity of the Republic of Ghana,” he said.
He told them to “Go forth with the best wishes and the support of government. Keep Ghana's interests at the centre of your work and make your service count for our people.”
