Newly appointed Ambassadors sworn in

Accra, Jan. 27, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor has presented 10 newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners with Letters of Commission and Credence, charging them to place high premium on the nation's security.

Security is the underpinning of all development and you must, therefore, be smart enough.


"You should have your wits about you at all times," he said, after administering the Oath of Allegiance, the Official Oath and Oath of Secrecy to them at the Castle, Osu.


They are Mr Sahanum Mogtari, Ambassador to Burkina Faso; Major-General F. Adu-Amanfo (rtd), Ambassador to Liberia; Mr Kofi Sekyiama, High Commissioner, Australia; Dr Mrs Mokowa Blay Adu-Gyamfi, High Commissioner to Sierra-Leone and Mr Akilaya Olufemi Akiwumi, Ambassador to Egypt.


The rest are Air Vice Marshal Edward Apau Mantey (rtd), Ambassador to the Russian Federation; Alhaji Rashid Bawa, Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, Ambassador to Serbia and Montenegro; Major-General Clayton B. Yaachie (rtd), Ambassador to Mali and Rear Admiral John K Gbenah (rtd), High Commissioner to Zimbabwe. President Kufuor told them to ensure that they reflected Ghana and not political, ethnic or religious interests, saying: "You are being posted to serve the interest of Ghana so serve as Government to all Ghanaians out there".


President Kufuor said since competitiveness had become the order of the day it was important they vigorously pursued economic diplomacy and showcased the country in the best possible way so that the nation would attract the most returns.

To do this, they needed to work well, be efficient and up-to-date with developments at home.


President Kufuor reminded them that their personal conduct was going to come under the spotlight and advised that they should be the listening type and avoid losing their guard and involving themselves in controversies.


Mr Mogtari on behalf of his colleagues thanked President Kufuor for the honour and for giving them the privilege to serve in their new positions.


He pledged that they would market Ghana and its interests diligently; more especially as the nation's economy now stood a good chance of a dramatic takeoff.