Government committed to protecting Ghanaians abroad

Accra, Feb 9, GNA- President John Evans Atta Mills on Thursday gave the assurance that Government would continue to protect its citizens abroad for them to contribute meaningfully to the national development process.

He said Government would in no way relinquish the moral and consular duties to protect Ghana’s sons and daughters outside the country, and asked Ghana’s envoys to adopt measures to prevent Ghanaian residents abroad from becoming victims of xenophobia.

President Mills gave the assurance, when he presented Letters of Commission to Alhaji Said Sinare, Ghana’s Ambassador designate to Egypt, at a ceremony at the Osu Castle, in Accra.

Alhaji Sinare, former Member of Parliament for Ayawaso Central, and former Vice Chair of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), takes over from Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, who has been sent to his previous position as Minister for the Upper West Region.

President Mills urged the Ambassador designate to use his duty tour to strengthen the already strong ties that existed between Accra and Cairo.

Obviously, referring to the fact that Alhaji Sinare has maternal links with Egypt and could speak fluent Arabic, President Mills, said Alhaji Sinare has a personal advantage that would make it easier to interact with the people.

He said:“I have no doubt that you will succeed in this assignment. May God himself guide you in this new assignment”.

Mr Chris Kpodo, Deputy Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, and Dr Valerie Sawyerr, Deputy Chief of Staff, in turns, underlined the need for strong economic diplomatic relations so that there would be tangible results of financial gains of the duty tour.

They asked Alhaji Sinare to forge strong links with Ghanaians, so that they would be felt cared for; and bring together the people for visible mutual benefits for both Ghana and Egypt.

Alhaji Sinare thanked the President for the confidence reposed in him, and promised to do his best and “lift the flag of Ghana high” and contribute positively to the Mills Administration Better Ghana programme.