President John Mahama has challenged Ghana’s newly commissioned Ambassadors to embrace a modern, results-driven approach to diplomacy, stating that the nation’s foreign missions must become engines of economic transformation.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, November 19, President Mahama said, “Diplomacy today is no longer confined to protocol representation and champagne drinking. It is a crucial instrument for national development.”
The president stressed that Ghana’s diplomats must view their roles as critical to delivering growth at home through strategic engagement abroad.
“Every meeting you hold, every partnership you pursue, every investor you convince, must be aimed at contributing to Ghana’s transformation.”
President Mahama also outlined clear expectations for the envoys, directing them to actively facilitate increased trade, expand market access for Ghanaian goods, and attract sustainable investment into priority sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, technology and health.
He charged them to promote Ghana’s tourism and cultural heritage, support technology transfer and innovation, and assist Ghanaian businesses exploring international opportunities. They must also provide efficient consular services to citizens abroad.
“Our missions must operate as vibrant centers for economic diplomacy. Each embassy must function as a hub of opportunity, connecting Ghana to global markets, knowledge and capital,” he noted.
Addressing the significance of their appointments, President Mahama said the new envoys take office at an important moment in the country’s renewed reform agenda.
He highlighted efforts under his administration to rebuild confidence in governance, restore discipline within public institutions, and strengthen the foundations of economic growth and job creation.
“This agenda demands accountability, transparency and measurable results from all public officials, whether serving at home or abroad,” the President said.
He reminded the ambassadors that they are key partners in Ghana’s national renewal and charged them to ensure their work directly supports the country’s economic diversification, enhances export expansion, and deepens international partnerships.
