President Mahama charges Ghanaian envoys to champion economic diplomacy
President John Dramani Mahama has underscored the crucial role of Ghana’s ambassadors, High Commissioners, and envoys in shaping the nation’s influence on the global stage, stressing that Ghana’s international standing must be actively earned and defended.
“Ghana's place will not be handed to us. It must be earned and defended through our choices and our work,” he said.
The President made these remarks at the Conference of Heads of Missions and Orientation Programme for newly appointed envoys in Accra on Monday, September 1, 2025.
Mr Mahama emphasised that diplomacy must deliver tangible benefits for citizens, including job creation, expanded markets for local products, technological advancement, and greater dignity and prosperity for Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
He explained that the government’s reset agenda, introduced to address recent economic challenges and declining public trust, aims to restore hope, rebuild confidence, and foster prosperity through initiatives that generate sustainable employment.
The success of this agenda, he noted, depends significantly on the ability of Ghana’s envoys to build strong partnerships and attract investment, technology, and knowledge.
Highlighting the interconnectedness of foreign and domestic policy, he stated, “The distinction between foreign and domestic policy has become increasingly blurred in today’s interconnected world.”
The President stressed that economic diplomacy is now the cornerstone of Ghana’s foreign policy, directing missions abroad to serve as hubs of economic engagement by facilitating trade, attracting investments, and promoting innovation.
Mr Mahama tasked the new ambassadors and envoys to promote investment in Ghana’s priority sectors, industrialisation, renewable energy, digital services, agro-processing, infrastructure, and tourism.
He further urged them to expand export markets, particularly for value-added goods such as processed cocoa, shea butter, textiles, crafts, and digital services.
According to him, agreements reached internationally must directly benefit local communities, ensuring that Ghana’s global engagements translate into improved livelihoods for citizens.
