Some Ghanaian Ambassadors don’t know their job – K B Asante

Renowned Diplomat and former Minister in the First Republic, K B Asante, has charged ambassadors to work more effectively and make their role as ambassadors more impressive.

According to him, most ambassadors now don’t understand their role and just see the position as a fashionable role to travel and enjoy expensive lifestyle.

However, their role is very critical to ensuring that the country’s presence and image is well noted in terms of effective collaboration and discussions on issues of development.

Mr Asante was expressing his view on the recent controversy that characterized President Mahama’s visit to Scotland on the maiden edition of "Obrempong Ahyease" hosted by renowned talk show hostess, Maame Korea, on Atinka FM on Sunday evening.

Some Scottish MPs gave a cold reception to the President and his entourage, claiming Ghana does not uphold the right of homosexuals.

While some attributed the embarrassment to the work of the Ambassador, others believed it was an unexpected turn of events.

“The ambassador should see to it that there is good preparation for a state visit. He should know what the visit is about and should help see to it that the meeting is successful.

“There is a procedure for a state visit. Ensure that everything works properly. You see to it that your president is given the same treatment as any other president from elsewhere and then advice your president,” he said.

“Ambassadors have serious duties, and important roles to play. Unfortunately, we don’t seem to realize the importance of the job today. It seems as if today anybody who wants to be an ambassador just go abroad, sit in big cars, have cheap drinks, go for cocktail parties and get bored and so on. But it is a serious business to be an ambassador,” Mr Asante charged.