President John Dramani Mahama, has sworn into office eleven (11) new Ghanaian envoys to represent the country in missions abroad.
The 11 included former publisher and editor-in-chief of the defunct Accra Daily Mail newspaper, Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, as High Commissioner to Namibia; who previously served as Ghana’s ambassador to that country under the president first term.
Another interesting personality on the list is South Korea born naturalized Ghanaian and business man, Kojo Choi, who is being sent back to that Asian country to represent Ghana.
The programme, held at the seat of government yesterday, Wednesday October 1, 2025, forms part of the government’s commitment to strengthening international relations and advancing Ghana’s foreign policy plan.
It follows the granting of approval by host nations across the world. One after the other, the envoys received presidential instruments of commission, officially empowering them to assume their responsibilities in their respective posts.
All the appointees are non-career diplomats drawn from different professional backgrounds.
The rest aside the aforementioned two are: Kwesi Ahwoi, now Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner to Togo; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary; Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa.
The others are Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Republic of Congo; Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican); Prof. Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Switzerland; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.
In his speech, President Mahama charged the envoys to project what Ghana is known for—-a stable democracy and a credible partner for trade, investment, and sustainable development.
He said their work as diplomats is not about only strengthening bilateral relations but also promote the welfare of Ghanaians who have found their abroad.
The President also used the opportune time to caution Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States (US).
According to Mahama, visa restrictions recently imposed by the Americans was largely because some Ghanaians in the past continued to overstay their permits, particularly students and members of official delegations.
He mentioned specifically the lifting of visa restriction by the US, indicating the negotiation was done in the best interest of Ghana.
“Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,” President Mahama said.
He indicated that government has given assurance to the Trump government that Ghana would work to reduce the number of Ghanaians who overstay in that country.
He said overstaying in the long run affects others who go the embassy to seek visa.
“I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so, they have the record. So, when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,” he cautioned.
He also used the platform to dispel rumours that there was financial arrangement as part of Ghana’s negotiations with Washington.
He revealed that talks are continuing on U.S. trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously provided African nations with tariff-free access to American markets.
The president who recently returned from the US after attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) also spent time to speak about the recent deportation of some West African nationals to Ghana.
According to him, Ghana would not accept individuals who compromise national security.
“I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,” he assured.
By Gifty Boateng