President touts nation’s democratic credentials - As he opens Foreign Ministry annex

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has stated that the peaceful nature of the electoral process and the gracious concession by the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party should serve as a symbol of hope for the rest of the African continent.

He affirmed that the will of the people must always prevail and said the unalloyed commitment of the country to democracy had become a cornerstone of the national identity.

President Akufo-Addo, who was speaking during the inauguration of a six-storey annex office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra yesterday, said: “The successful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 7, 2024, stands as a testament to the resilience of the democracy of the country”.

The new structure contains 142 office spaces, a basement car park equipped with a transponder access system, a flag room to proudly display the flags of all the countries that Ghana maintains diplomatic relations with, a clinic, a fitness centre, and a press centre seamlessly extending into a banquet hall for 300 persons.

It also possesses a dining and conference area on every floor to complement the extensive range of facilities in the main building. 

Bold statement

President Akufo-Addo said the annex building represented a bold statement of the devotion to foster democracy and enhance the capacity of the foreign service of the country.

A portion of the expanded Foreign Affairs Ministry building in Accra. Pictures: SAMUEL TEI ADANO

He said it would provide the ministry with the facilities it needed to continue shaping and effectively implementing the foreign policy of the country.

He called for a rededication to the service of the nation and said the new facility would inspire greater productivity, innovation and a renewed sense of purpose.

“I am confident that this annexe will enhance the capacity of the ministry to deliver on its mandate and by extension contribute to the realisation of our collective vision for a prosperous and self-reliant Ghana.

“May this new chapter in the history of the foreign ministry inspire even greater achievements in the years ahead,” the President emphasised.

He expressed the gratitude of the government and people of Ghana to the government of China for its invaluable partnership in funding the project and said the strong support underscored the enduring bond of friendship between the two nations.

President Akufo-Addo also commended the Yang Jian Group Company Limited, the contractors, and MA Swab Consult, the project consultants, for their professionalism and dedication in delivering the structure. 

Tribute

In a tribute to a former Ghana Ambassador to China, Edward Boateng, whom he said was one of his most successful appointments, on his contribution to the realisation of the project, President Akufo-Addo observed that a robust and efficient foreign service was the lifeblood of any nation aspiring to greatness.

He further paid tribute to some of the pioneers of the ministry, and said in recognition of the pivotal role played by the ministry, the government of then-President J.A. Kufuor took deliberate steps to strengthen its capacity.

Notable among these initiatives, he said, was the establishment of the Foreign Service Institute in August 2023 which provided comprehensive training to Ghanaian and foreign diplomats, equipping them with critical skills in negotiation and policy formulation. 

He said the ministry had under his tenure as President had also been instrumental in advancing the nation’s diplomatic successes, including promoting the successful bids to host the secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and the Climate Vulnerable Forum in Accra.

He said it had also secured a two-year tenure on the United Nations Security Council for Ghana.

Each of these achievements, according to President Akufo-Addo, reflected the commitment of the country to regional stability and global collaboration.

He added that the full membership of the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), which was successfully advanced by the ministry, had further cemented the position of the country as a bridge between Anglophone and Francophone Africa, thereby enhancing its influence and deepening partnerships.

Commonwealth

President Akufo-Addo was also proud of the achievements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey who, he said, made history as the first Ghanaian and the first African woman to serve as Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations.

He added that the journey was an inspiration to all and also affirmed that daughters of the country could reach the highest heights with hard work and determination.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was also grateful to the government of China for the grant and said it had paved the way for the remarkable edifice which would address the increasing need for office space due to the growing number of offices in the ministry.

She said the annex stood as a legacy of the Kufuor administration which reinforced the commitment of the government to enhance the operational capacity of the ministry and strengthen its diplomatic engagements.

Ms Botchwey was grateful to all former ministers and directors of the ministry who contributed to making the project a reality.