The appointment of Nana Bediatuo Asante, President Akufo-Addo’s long-serving Executive Secretary, as an Ambassador-at-Large has received divided reactions from citizens.
The fact that Mr Bediatuo now holds two positions in the NPP government has left some Ghanaians dissatisfied.
Deputy National Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Malik Basintale, is one of the individuals who has concerns over the matter.
In an interview on TV3, Mr Basintale noted that the work he could have been doing had been given out by President Akufo-Addo to his family members and cronies.
The announcement was made in June this year during a formal ceremony at Jubilee House, where the President also commissioned nine other diplomats to represent Ghana globally.
The newly appointed officials include three High Commissioners and five Ambassadors, each entrusted with the crucial task of enhancing Ghana’s international relations. Among them are Vice Admiral Seth Amoama to Nigeria, Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun to South Africa, Mr. Ernest Yaw Amporful to Rwanda, Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh to Türkiye, Mr. Henry Tachie-Menson to Belgium and the EU, Mrs. Charity Gbedawo to Morocco, Ms. Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi to Norway, Dr. Robert Afriyie to Ethiopia and the African Union, and Nana Bediatuo Asante in his expansive new role.
President Akufo-Addo tasked the envoys with the mission of elevating Ghana’s status as a beacon of stability and progress. He emphasized the significance of strengthening bilateral ties, attracting investments, and promoting Ghana’s interests on the global stage.
“These appointments come at a strategic time as the world emerges from the pandemic and faces geopolitical tensions. Ghana must solidify international alliances to overcome these global challenges,” the President stated.
He further highlighted the importance of engaging the Ghanaian diaspora, whose contributions are vital to the nation’s economy and cultural heritage. He stressed the dual benefit of providing a sense of belonging to overseas Ghanaians while leveraging their potential for national development.
The diplomats’ agenda also includes addressing global issues such as armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, and illicit financial flows. The President underscored the necessity of collaborative efforts in tackling these concerns.
As the envoys embark on their diplomatic missions, they carry the collective aspirations of Ghana. Their effectiveness in advocating for the nation’s interests will play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s future and its global standing.
President Akufo-Addo concluded by urging the diplomats to uphold integrity and excellence, reminding them of the importance of working harmoniously with experienced Foreign Service officers at their respective posts.
This collaboration, he noted, is crucial to the success of their missions and the broader objectives of Ghana’s foreign policy.
























































