President John Dramani Mahama has charged a new batch of five High Commissioners and Ambassadors designate to be proactive, results-oriented and unwavering guardians of Ghana’s national interest and reputation abroad.
Administering the oaths of Office and Secrecy at a solemn commissioning ceremony at the Presidency in Accra yesterday, the President described their appointment as a call to “high national service” at a time of profound global change marked by geo-political tensions and economic realignments.
He urged them to embody Ghana’s unity, values and aspirations with their conduct by being “national in character, above partisanship, firmly guided by the supreme interest of the Republic of Ghana”.
Envoys
The newly commissioned diplomats are the Ambassador designate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare; Ambassador designate to the Republic of Mali, Lt Col Al Hajj Umar Sanda Ahmed; Ambassador designate to the Republic of Cuba, Kofi Attor; Ambassador-in-Situ, Emmanuel Opeku, and High Commissioner designate to the Republic of Malta, Regina Appiah-Sam.
Impact
President Mahama further said that Ghana’s diplomacy in the current era would be judged not by ceremony but by tangible results that translate into “jobs, growth, opportunities, security and measurable benefits for our people.”
He, therefore, directed them to pursue economic diplomacy with urgency, focusing on attracting strategic investments, expanding non-traditional exports, promoting tourism and facilitating technology transfer.
“Every partnership you build, every market you open, and every investor you attract, must serve a broader national purpose,” President Mahama said.
To ensure accountability and excellence, the President reminded them of the introduction of a performance management framework with clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by the government for all Heads of Mission.
Their performance would, therefore, be assessed based on outcomes in trade and investment, quality of partnerships, efficiency of consular services, engagement with the diaspora, and prudent management of public resources.
“The government has embarked on a reset agenda grounded in integrity, efficiency, accountability and results-driven governance.
As heads of mission, you are required to reflect this national reset by moving from passive representation to purposeful engagement, from routine reporting to proactive problem solving and from presence to impact,” he added.
Austerity measures
President Mahama also announced cost containment measures for missions, including rent ceilings, and demanded full compliance with all financial directives and procurement procedures.
In line with that, he advised them to conduct themselves with “dignity, discipline and humility” as living faces of Ghana.
They must also engage the Ghanaian diaspora with seriousness and empathy, and foster harmonious and professional working environments within their respective missions.
“As I commission you today, I do it with confidence in your competence and dedication.
Ghana expects excellence, and so you must serve with purpose, and your tenure must be marked by results, stronger partnerships, expanded opportunities for our people and a higher standing of our nation in the comity of nations,” the President said.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh