Accra, Feb. 23, GNA - President John Evans Atta Mills on Tuesday reiterated Government's vision to transform Ghana from an agricultural-based economy, into an industrial hub.
He said with the discovery of oil, Government would shift Ghana's economic paradigm from primary products such as cocoa, timber and gold. President Mills has therefore charged Ghana's foreign envoys to use economic diplomacy to market the country well and attract the right investment that would help Government to realise the aim of an industrial nation, within the overall structure of the Better Ghana programme and improve the lives of the people.
The President was speaking when he swore in Mr Victor Smith, until recently a Presidential Aide and Mr Peter Kwesi Yankey of the Foreign Ministry as ambassadors.
Mr Smith goes to the Czech Republic while Mr Yankey is accredited to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They swore the Official Oath, Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, after which the President gave them their Instrument of Office.
President Mills congratulated the two new envoys on their appointment and reminded them that they had been chosen on the basis of their proven expertise.
He urged them to apply their expertise to strengthen and improve on the relations between Ghana and their countries of accreditation. The President also wished them fruitful and memorable experiences in their duty tour.
Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy, Mr James Victor Gbeho, now ECOWAS Commission President, said he felt exhilarated by the appointment because the two of them had been particularly close to him. He expressed confidence that they would carry out their assignments professionally.
Mr Gbeho said their conduct as ambassadors would have far reaching effects on them and the Government.
He drew their attention to the threats of corruption and crime facing Ghana, and urged them to make it a priority to help Government to address these challenges to make the country a safer place for its inhabitants.
Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni asked the two envoys to conduct their assignment with a people-centred approach. He said they must purse economic diplomacy, to attract investment, increase the volume of trade, promote Ghana's tourism and ensure more patronage of Made in Ghana goods.
"Make Ghana a preferred destination of tourists," Alhaji Mumuni said. Mr Smith on behalf of his colleague thanked the President of the trust reposed in them, and assured him of their commitment to facilitate the aim of building a Better Ghana.
