Gariba assumes office as High Commissioner to Canada

Ghana’s new High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency Dr. Sulley Gariba was officially ushered into office in Canada when he presented his letters of commission to the Governor-General of Canada, His Excellency the Right Honorable David Johnston on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Rideau Hall, Ottawa.

Upon their arrival in Canada, and before they can carry out their duties as heads of mission, new ambassadors, as well as High Commissioners of countries for which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is not head of state, must be officially welcomed by the Governor-General of Canada. High Commissioners representing countries for which the Queen is the head of state are formally introduced to the Prime Minister of Canada.

Letters of Credence are the official documents by which new heads of diplomatic missions are presented by their head of state as their official representative. Currently, there are more than 170 heads of diplomatic missions accredited to Canada Before coming to Canada His Excellency Dr. Sulley Gariba was one of Ghana's foremost specialists on Canadian International Development. He studied and lectured in Canada for 15 years obtaining a Master's and Doctorate in Philosophy, Political Science and International Relations at Carleton University, Ottawa. He was the longest serving member and senior advisor on Ghana's National Development Planning Commission having been appointed to serve in the Commission since 2001. In his address, His Excellency the Right Honorable David Johnston said "It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Rideau Hall. Today, we celebrate your arrival in Canada, and we reaffirm the importance of diplomacy in today’s world. At the heart of diplomacy is communication. Diplomacy is about taking part in dialogue and keeping the lines of communication open in all circumstances. Nations are stronger when they work together. Our societies and our economies are improved when we practise diplomacy. We have so much to learn from one another. That is why I am delighted that you are here." ''High Commissioner Gariba, you are no stranger to this country, or even this city. You have intimate knowledge of Canada, which comes from having studied and lived here for so long. I am confident you will continue to learn about this country, and that you will put that knowledge to good use in strengthening the relationship between Ghana and Canada.'' ” Sharon and I still have very fond memories of our visit to Ghana in 2013. I remember visiting not only with members of your government, but also with educators and students, as well as farmers conducting agricultural research with Canadian support. In fact, our two countries are partners in many ways, building on a long history of good relations. I have every reason to believe that we will find even more ways to help each other, particularly given our mutual investment and growing trade." He added.

In addition five ambassadors from Nepal, Costa Rica, Tanzania, Czech and France also presented their letters of credence to the Governor-General. Photo, His Excellency Dr. Sulley Gariba and His Excellency the Right Honorable David Johnston

Photo by: MCpl Vincent Carbonneau, Rideau Hall