Africa-Press – Ghana. Mr. Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff, on Friday officially closed the five-day Conference of Heads of Mission and Orientation Programme for newly appointed Envoys of Ghana, urging them to project Ghana’s renewed foreign policy vision with pride, honour, and competence.
He said Ghana’s envoys must see themselves not only as representatives of the state but also as catalysts for the country’s economic transformation.
The Chief of Staff stated that the future of the nation’s diplomacy would be measured by the tangible benefits it delivered to ordinary citizens through trade, investment, and development partnerships.
Mr Debrah, speaking at a dinner and awards ceremony hosted by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and attended by some ministers of state and diplomats, said the orientation had revitalized Ghana’s collective diplomatic spirit and sharpened the focus on promoting the nation’s interests and values on the global stage.
He described the new batch of envoys as the bearers of a modern and economically driven foreign policy designed for the 21st century.
“Ghana’s foreign policy has always been anchored in peace, security, non-alignment, and good neighbourliness. Today, however, we are placing stronger emphasis on economic diplomacy to directly translate into jobs, investment, technology transfer, and sustainable development for the Ghanaian people,” he said.
Mr. Debrah underscored four key priorities that should define Ghana’s diplomacy in the coming years: deepening economic diplomacy, strengthening diaspora engagement, championing climate justice, and modernizing the foreign service.
He called on envoys to drive Ghana’s role in the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reinvigorate pan-Africanism, and actively support regional integration through ECOWAS and the African Union.
He further urged envoys to recognize the Ghanaian diaspora as vital partners in national development, noting that their investments, skills transfer, and cultural diplomacy must become central to Ghana’s foreign policy outreach.
On climate action, he challenged envoys to advocate strongly for equitable global policies and secure support for Ghana’s green transition and resilience-building efforts.
“You are the standard bearers of Ghana’s reinvigorated foreign policy vision. Embrace economic diplomacy, champion African unity and integration, engage our diaspora meaningfully, and protect the welfare of every Ghanaian abroad,” he told the newly appointed diplomats.
He added that, “Foster partnerships, seize opportunities, and protect the interests that will prepare Ghana for greater prosperity and influence.”
The ceremony also celebrated the remarkable contributions of five distinguished statesmen whose decades of service helped shape Ghana’s reputation on the global stage.
Ambassadors Dr. Obed Asamoah, Richard Maximillian Akwei, James Victor Gbeho, Chris Kpodo, and Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas were honoured for their sterling service and enduring legacy in Ghanaian diplomacy.
Mr. Debrah paid glowing tribute to each awardee, describing Dr. Asamoah as a “true giant of Ghanaian diplomacy” who combined intellectual rigour with steadfast commitment to Ghana’s sovereignty and Africa’s unity, and Dr. Ibn Chambas as the embodiment of a “quiet, effective diplomat whose influence resonates globally.”
He lauded Ambassador Gbeho for his exceptional leadership at the United Nations and ECOWAS, Ambassador Kpodo for his professionalism in advancing bilateral ties, and Ambassador Akwei for his pioneering role as one of Ghana’s first permanent representatives to the UN, where he championed pan-Africanism and anti-colonialism.
The Chief of Staff declared, “These awardees have set the bar high. Their collective legacy is woven into the fabric of Ghana’s respected international standing. On behalf of the President, government, and the people of Ghana, I extend our deepest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations.”
Mrs. Yassine Fall, Minister for African Integration and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, who congratulated the new envoys on their appointment, reminded them that diplomacy was essentially about building bridges to promote relations.
She urged them to see Africa’s current challenges as opportunities to strengthen continental cooperation and that, “as diplomatic agents, you have a responsibility to turn challenges into avenues for deeper engagement and collaboration.”
The Minister emphasized that the envoys’ work should go beyond representation to active problem-solving in the interest of both Ghana and the wider African community.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who hosted the dinner, praised the dedication and professionalism the envoys demonstrated during what he described as one of the most intensive orientation programmes in Ghana’s history.
Running daily from morning until late evening, the programme was designed to prepare ambassadors to assume their new roles with competence and foresight.
“The commitment, punctuality, and professionalism you showed this week convinces me that Ghana will be the better for it,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
He added that the legacy of Ghana’s diplomatic giants should inspire the new generation of envoys to uphold the values of excellence, Pan-Africanism, fairness, and justice.
Mr Ablakwa encouraged the envoys to remain connected even after their postings abroad, reminding them that their collective network would be crucial to sustaining Ghana’s leadership role in international diplomacy.
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