The Director of State Protocol, Samuel Yao Kumah has been appointed Ghana’s Ambassador to Australia, including five other Carrier Diplomats to various countries.
The rest are Doris Adzo Denyo Brese, Czechia; Mohammed Habib Idris, Kuwait; Kingsford Amoako, Liberia; Mark Michael Entsie, Libya; and Alex Owiredu Adu, Niger.
In all, a total of six (6) Ghanaian carrier diplomats were sworn into office by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo Wednesday at the Jubilee House.
After administering the Oath of Allegiance, Office and Secrecy, President Akufo-Addo presented them with their Instrument of Appointments.
Addressing them, President Akufo-Addo described the diplomats as highly committed, competent and diligent in the work, commending, particularly, Ambassador Kumah, for his exceptional service as Chief State Protocol in the past three (3) years.
“He has been at my side since he assumed this role three (3) years ago, during which time, he has served with commitment, competence, diligence, honesty, humility and integrity,” the President gave the commendation.
“I am extremely sad to see him go”, President Akufo-Addo expressed his sadness, adding: “But, at the same time, happy to see that his decades of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he once served as Chief Protocol for three years,” have rewarded him with the highest position.
The President told the diplomats that their appointments had come at an important time when all countries are working hard to return to normalcy after the devastating effects of COVID-19 and the Russia-Ukraine war.
President Akufo-Addo said Ghana had began the process of recovery, after securing the US$3 billion IMF extended credit facility, and it is the responsibility of the envoys to pursue the country’s interest abroad to support government’s efforts of economic growth and development.
He said Ghana is considered the beacon of democracy in Africa, and “you are the most visible symbol of our country out there, and all your actions must be guarded.”
President Akufo-Addo expressed confidence in the diplomats to discharge their duties with integrity and diligence, and the interest of the country at all times.
In their response, Ambassador Kumah who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, expressed their appreciation to the President for reposing his confidence in them, and to find them worthy of such appointment to represent Ghana abroad.
“We are taking our new assignment at a critical juncture in world history characterised by rise geopolitical tensions, weakening of multilateralism and failing global financial situation, he stated.
But fortunately, Ambassador Kumah said President Akufo-Addo had already set the agenda for them to leverage on and seek the enlightened self-interest of Ghana in their diplomatic démarche.”
“We will forge closer ties and collaboration with all of Ghana’s bilateral partners, drive foreign investment into Ghana, foster greater links with the diasporan community and ensure the protection of all Ghanaians who reside in the various jurisdictions to which we have been posted”, he assured.