Akufo-Addo Swears-in Director Of State Protocol As High Commissioner To Australia, 5 others As Ambassadors3 min read

A total of six Ghanaian career diplomats have been sworn into office by President Akufo-Addo at a ceremony held at the banquet hall of the Jubilee House on Wednesday 14 June 2023.

Among them is the immediate past Director of State Protocol, Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah who is now Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canberra, Australia.

The rest are Ms. Doris Adzo Denyo Brese, Ambassador to Prague, Czech Republic, Mr. Mohammed Habib Idris Ambassador to Kuwait City, Kuwait, Mr. Kingsford Amoako, Ambassador Monrovia, Liberia, Mr. Mark Michael Entsie, Ambassador to Tripoli, Libya and Mr. Alex Owiredu Adu, Ambassador to Niamey, Niger.

President Akufo-Addo at the swearing ceremony administered the oath of allegiance, the oath of office and the oath of secrecy to the six envoys before presenting the instruments of appointment to them in turns. All six envoys subsequently signed the oaths book before President Akufo-Addo also signed his portion.

High Commissioner Kumah

In his address, President Akufo-Addo singled out Ambassador Kumah for special mention, commending his for his exceptional service as director of state protocol for the last three (3) years.

“He has been at my side since he assumed this role some three years ago during which time, he has served with commitment, competence, diligence, honesty, humility and integrity” President Akufo-Addo said.
“I am extremely sad to see him go, but at the same time, happy to see that his decades of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where he once served as chief of protocol for three years, has today, been rewarded with the highest position available at the ministry” Akufo-Addo added.

Road to recovery

To all the envoys, President Akufo-Addo noted that their appointments has come at a time of great significance in the global space where all the country of the world are working to return themselves to a state of normalcy following the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic who effects have be exacerbated by the Russia invasion of Ukraine.

Ghana according to the President, has started the process of recovery with the securing of the US$ 3 billion extended credit facility with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The new envoys the President said, have a responsibility to ensuring that at their various duty posts, they pursue the interests of the country to support government’s efforts aimed at ensuring economic growth and development.

“We (Ghana) are considered a beacon of democracy in Africa. You are the most visible symbol of our country out there and in all your actions, your must guard jealously, our country’s image. I am confident this is a charge you will keep” President Akufo-Addo said.

Diplomatic demarche

Samuel Yao Kumah, High Commissioner to Canberra, Australia, in his response to President Akufo-Addo on behalf of his five other colleagues, expressed their appreciation to the President for finding it pleasing and worthy to appoint them High Commissioner and Ambassadors.

“We are taking on our new assignment at a critical juncture in world history characterized by rise in geopolitical tensions, weakening of multi-literalism and the failing global financial situation.

“Fortunately, you have set the agenda for us. We will therefore leverage on this to seek the enlightened self interest of Ghana in our diplomatic demarche” High Commissioner John Kumah said.

“We will forge closer ties and collaboration with all of Ghana’s bi-lateral partners, drive foreign investments into Ghana and foster greater links with the diaspora community and ensure the protection of all Ghanaians who reside in the various jurisdictions to which we have been posted” he further indicated.

From Wilberforce Asare