Lebanon’s Ambassador to Ghana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Maher Kheir, has bid an emotional farewell to Ghana after seven years of service, describing his tenure as one defined by friendship, humanity, and shared progress.
In an interview marking the end of his posting, Ambassador Kheir reflected on his time in Ghana and the initiatives spearheaded by the Lebanese Embassy, particularly in education, culture, and humanitarian support.
He said the embassy’s investment in tertiary education was inspired by the belief that “education has always been a bridge between nations and communities.”
According to him, supporting Ghanaian students through the Lebanese Scholarship Programme was both a contribution to human capital development and a symbol of the long-standing friendship between Ghana and Lebanon. “Ghana and Lebanon are bound by a mutual respect for knowledge — both nations believe that education is the truest path to dignity and progress,” he stated.
Ambassador Kheir said the embassy had witnessed outstanding success stories from beneficiaries of its educational initiatives. Many, he said, had gone on to excel in various fields including law, journalism, business, and diplomacy. “Seeing these young men and women grow into confident, capable leaders has been deeply rewarding. It reaffirmed our belief that education is the most sustainable and meaningful form of partnership,” he noted.
Beyond education, the embassy under his leadership focused on strengthening cultural diplomacy and supporting social projects in health and youth development. The envoy highlighted the role of cultural exchange in deepening understanding between nations. “Culture and education are not luxuries — they are the foundations of lasting friendship between nations,” he remarked.
Reflecting on his tenure, Ambassador Kheir said he had no regrets but only gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “Serving in Ghana was an honour and a privilege. The friendships and experiences gained here will continue to inspire me long after my mission has ended,” he said. “Diplomacy is not only about policies — it is about people, trust, and the invisible bridges that endure beyond borders.”
A celebrated poet whose works have been translated into several languages and performed globally, including at the Sydney Opera House, Kheir said Ghana had profoundly influenced his poetic imagination. “Ghana’s rhythm is unlike any other. It beats softly in the drums at dusk, in the laughter of children running barefoot after the rain, and in the golden calm of the evening sky over Accra,” he said.
He described Ghana as a place where poetry lives naturally in its people and environment. “In Ghana, poetry does not need to be spoken — it lives in the air, in the colours, in the quiet grace of its people,” he reflected.
As he prepares to leave, Ambassador Kheir expressed deep affection for the Ghanaian people, describing them as warm, dignified, and resilient. “I will miss the children’s eyes shining with hope, and the mothers’ strength that carries a nation’s heart,” he said.
He added that Ghana would remain an inseparable part of his life. “Ghana will forever remain a part of me — not as a posting I once held, but as a home I carry in my heart. I leave, but my soul still lingers between the drums of Ghana.”
