President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new cohort of Ambassadors and High Commissioners, urging them to project Ghana’s image, advance national interests and drive economic transformation through innovative diplomacy.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Wednesday 19th September, 2025 during the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama described the occasion as “a proud moment for both you and our nation,” noting that the appointments reflect the envoys’ “competence, years of service and demonstrated commitment” to Ghana.

The President reminded the diplomats that they assume office at a time of rapid global shifts marked by technological advancement, geopolitical changes, climate-related challenges and economic transitions. In such an era, he stressed, Ghana must remain “visible, influential and respected.”

He reaffirmed Ghana’s long-standing reputation as a beacon of peace, stability and democracy, adding that the country must continue to build upon this foundation. Recalling the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, he noted that Ghana has always championed a strong, united and sovereign Africa capable of defining its own destiny.

“Wherever you serve, Ghana must be known for leadership, fairness and an unwavering commitment to the Pan-African cause,” he told the envoys.

The President emphasized that modern diplomacy extends far beyond protocol and ceremonial engagements. Today, diplomacy is a key instrument for national development, he said.

He charged the envoys to use their missions as hubs of economic activity aimed at attracting investment, expanding trade, promoting tourism, facilitating technology transfer and supporting Ghanaian businesses abroad. They must also ensure efficient consular services for Ghanaians living in their host countries.

“Every meeting you hold, every partnership you pursue, every investor you convince must contribute to Ghana’s transformation,” he stated.

As part of efforts to ensure purposeful and results-driven diplomacy, the President announced the introduction of a new Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework for all missions. The performance of ambassadors and high commissioners will now be measured by:

The volume and quality of trade and investment facilitated

Partnerships initiated or strengthened

Responsiveness and compassion in consular services

Engagement and mobilization of the Ghanaian diaspora

Transparent and efficient management of public resources

“These KPIs are intended to empower you, not burden you,” he said, adding that the framework will help the government identify support needs and reward excellence.

To support diplomats in executing their mandate, the President announced enhanced conditions of service approved by Cabinet. These include:

A waiver of import duties on one vehicle for returning foreign service officers, with an engine capacity not exceeding 2.7 litres

Approved rent ceilings for diplomats serving abroad to ensure financial discipline and value for money.

The President also underscored the importance of humility, integrity, respect and service in representing Ghana abroad. He urged the envoys to build meaningful relationships, strengthen cooperation and enhance Ghana’s global reputation.

He placed special emphasis on the wellbeing of Ghanaian citizens abroad, urging missions to serve as responsive and compassionate institutions.

“The Ghanaian diaspora remains an invaluable asset—economically, intellectually and culturally,” he said, encouraging envoys to engage the diaspora in the national reset agenda.

Expressing confidence in their abilities, the President congratulated the newly appointed envoys and charged them to justify the trust placed in them.

“May your tenure strengthen our global partnerships, enhance Ghana’s reputation and contribute to the prosperity of our people,” he concluded.

Below is the full list of nominees and their designated countries:

Mrs. Theresa Adiei-Mensah — Ambassador-designate to the Czech Republic

Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo — Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Senegal

Mrs. Mona Helen Kabuki Quartey — Ambassador-designate to the Italian Republic

Mr. Kenneth Akibate — Ambassador-designate to Burkina Faso

Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo — High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of Kenya

Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah — Ambassador-designate to the Arab Republic of Egypt

Brigadier-General Alhassan Abu — Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire

Amb. Doris Adzo Denyo Brese — High Commissioner-designate to the Commonwealth of Australia

Ms. Elizabeth Nyantakyi — High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of Zambia

Mr. Eddison Mensah Agbenyegah — Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Mr. Edward Kwaku Cofie — Ambassador-designate to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria