President John Mahama has sworn in 18 envoys to serve as Ambassadors, High Commissioners and protocol officers representing Ghana in various countries.
The 18 represents the first batch of 2 to be sworn in and given their instruments of office.
The swearing in ceremony took place at the seat of the Presidency on Thursday, September 4, 2025. The list of envoys to be sworn in are; Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson – High Commissioner-designate, London, United Kingdom, Mr. Victor Emmanuel Smith – Ambassador-designate, Washington D.C., USA, Ms. Mavis Ama Frimpong – Ambassador-designate, Paris, France, Mr. Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed – High Commissioner-designate, Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Koma-Steem Jehu Appiah – Ambassador-designate, Moscow, Russian Federation and Mr. Kojo Bonsu – Ambassador-designate, Beijing, People’s Republic of China.
Alhaji Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali – Ambassador-designate, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Professor Ohene Adjei – Ambassador-designate, Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany, Alhaji Abdul Nasiru-Deen – Ambassador-designate, Ankara, Turkey, Dr. Margaret Miewien Chebere – Ambassador-designate, Copenhagen, Kingdom of Denmark, Mr. Labik Joseph Yaani – Ambassador-designate, Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Nii Amasah Namoale – Ambassador-designate, Brasilia, Federative Republic of Brazil, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso – High Commissioner-designate, New Delhi, India, Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah and Ambassador-designate, New York, USA.
Mr. Godwin Baletum Amonzem, Ambassador-designate, Monrovia, Republic of Liberia, Mr. Aikins Abrokwa, Ambassador in-Situ designate, Director of State Protocol, Mr. Gustav Kwaku Sefe Dovlo, Ambassador in-Situ designate, Chief of Protocol and Mrs. Patience Kokui Gameli-Kwame – Ambassador-at-Large designate, Deputy Director General, Research Department.
Speaking at the ceremony, President John Mahama said Ghana cannot continue to pay over 15 million dollars in rent in its foreign missions.
He said, “Integrity must be your watchword. The Public Financial Management Act and all relevant regulations must guide your stewardship of public resources that are put in your care. I urge you to guard the public purse with diligence and ensure that efficiency, service and ethical governance, the very values we are entrenching at home, shine through in every mission abroad.
“Let me be emphatic. Ghana cannot continue spending a staggering more than $15 million every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use.”
President Mahama added “This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources, and the reset agenda requires an immediate reversal of this trend. And that is why the Cabinet has promptly approved the STRIDE initiative.
“And STRIDE refers to the strategic transition from rental to developing our own properties. I’ve tasked the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Finance to work urgently to resolve this long-standing challenge. From my latest briefing, a transaction advisor has been appointed, standard designs are being developed, and funding mechanisms are already being negotiated.
“This decisive shift will ensure that our missions abroad are housed in properties that are owned by the Republic, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding Ghana’s dignity on the international stage. Distinguished Envoys, the research agenda is a shared enterprise.
“Success depends on close coordination between the missions abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all ministries, departments and government agencies.”
