Ghana has officially closed the five-day Conference of Heads of Mission and Orientation Programme for Newly Appointed Envoys, a major diplomatic gathe
Ghana has officially closed the five-day Conference of Heads of Mission and Orientation Programme for Newly Appointed Envoys, a major diplomatic gathering aimed at strengthening the country’s foreign policy agenda.
The closing ceremony and awards night, held on Friday, September 5, 2025, was addressed by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah.
The event, which brought together top government officials and international dignitaries, also featured the participation of Haruna Iddrisu, Minister for Education, and Yassine Fall, Senegal’s Minister for African Integration and Foreign Affairs.
A Call To Translate Diplomacy Into Tangible Gains
In his keynote address, the Chief of Staff underscored the central pillars of the foreign policy—peace, cooperation, and economic development.
He urged the newly appointed envoys to go beyond routine diplomatic engagements and ensure that Ghana’s foreign missions deliver real, measurable benefits for the nation.
“Our envoys must not only represent Ghana but also work to attract investments, foster trade relations, and protect the welfare of Ghanaians abroad. The time has come for diplomacy to translate directly into opportunities and development at home,” Debrah emphasized.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the orientation programme as comprehensive, noting that the newly appointed diplomats had been thoroughly briefed on a wide range of subjects, including international security, global economic trends, diaspora relations, and regional integration.
A Continental Perspective
Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Ms. Yassine Fall, commended Ghana for investing in its diplomatic corps and reminded the envoys of their responsibility as “bridge builders.”
She highlighted some of Africa’s pressing challenges, such as migration, security, and trade barriers, but stressed that these challenges could also be converted into opportunities if addressed with vision and commitment.
Honouring Ghana’s Diplomatic Giants
One of the highlights of the evening was the recognition of five eminent statesmen whose contributions to diplomacy have left an indelible mark. The awardees included:
Ambassador Richard Maximillian Akwei
Ambassador James Victor Gbeho
Dr. Obed Asamoah
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas
Ambassador Chris Kpodo
These individuals were celebrated for their decades of service, dedication, and leadership in promoting Ghana’s image abroad and shaping the country’s foreign relations.
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