Ghana hosts maiden diplomatic honours event

The Diplomatic Affairs and Media Communications Limited (DAMC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration have held the first edition of the Diplomatic Honours event on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme “Leveraging Diplomacy for Industrialisation, Sustainable Development, Peace and Security”.

Speaking at the event, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey noted that the theme for the event underscored the indispensable role Diplomacy had played in driving industrial growth, particularly in an interconnected world.

According to her, the Diplomatic Honours represented a significant evolution in the Ministry’s tradition of celebrating individuals and institutions in foreign relations and recalled the award of the Group of 10 (G10) Pioneer Foreign Service Officers in 2018.

She further pointed out that Diplomatic Honours was not only to recognise Foreign Service Officers but Ghanaian nationals and institutions that have made notable contributions to Ghana’s Foreign Relations.

Executive Director of Diplomatic Affairs Media and Communications who doubles as the Host of the Diplomatic Affairs TV show on Pan African Television Harriet Nartey in her speech stated that the “goal is to celebrate diplomatic excellence.”

She underscored the importance of spotlighting individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions through diplomacy and international relations.

Emphasizing that the foreign policy of every country is crucial to its developmental agenda, she urged African countries to leverage relations with its development partners to promote trade and unlock the continent’s potential.

The astute journalist further noted that as it was impossible to honour everyone in one evening, Diplomatic Honours is not a one-time event but an annual event that will continue to recognize and celebrate those who contribute to the noble cause of humanity through diplomacy.

The climax of the Diplomatic Honours saw the presentation of some twenty-two (22) awards to deserving individuals and institutions. Here are the categories as follows:

1. The Year of Return Initiative - President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo;

2. Excellence in Cultural Diplomacy – The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II;

3. Lifetime Achievement in Diplomacy – Mr. Busumuru Kofi Atta Annan;

4. Excellence in Peace and Security - Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas;

5. Excellence in Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals - Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin II;

6. Excellence in Sports Diplomacy - Mr. Abedi Ayew Pele;

7. Excellence in Public Diplomacy - Mr. Rocky Dawuni;

8.Global Diplomatic Stateswoman - H.E. Dr. Mrs. Mary Ekelebah Chinery-Hesse;

9. Distinguished Career in Diplomacy - Amb. Agnes Yahan Aggrey-Orleans

10. Global African of the Year - Mr. Boris Frederic Cecil Tay-Natey Ofuatey-Kodjoe;

11. Exceptional Leadership and Bravery in United Nations Peacekeeping - Major-General Henry Kwami Anyidoho (Rtd.);

12.The Transformational Leadership in Diplomacy - Ambassador Annan Akyin Cato;

13. The Returnee International Civil Servant Entrepreneur of the Year - Mr. Andrew Kwabena Asamoah;

14. Pioneering Diplomatic Training in Ghana - Professor George Ofosu-Amaah, and posthumously to Ambassador Joseph Quao Cleland and Ambassador Ato Wilson (Joint award)

15. The Special Measure on Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines and Health Technologies in Africa (MAV+) Programme - Delegation of the European Union to Ghana;

16. Ghana’s Diplomatic Mission of the Year - Vienna Mission;

17. Efforts in the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Ghana - Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Ministry of Trade and Industry (Joint award)

18. The Innovative Initiative for Networking and Youth Empowerment - H.E. Grace Jeannet Mason;

19. Excellence in Economic Diplomacy - Kasapreko Distilleries.

AM/KA

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