BY Nadia Ntiamoah
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn in 15 new Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consul-Generals, marking a major step in the diplomatic reset agenda aimed at strengthening global representation while cutting down on wasteful expenditure.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday, September 4, 2025, brought together government officials, diplomats, and families of the appointees.
President Mahama charged the new envoys to uphold the highest standards of diligence, patriotism, and integrity in serving the interests of the country abroad.
Diplomatic Postings
The new appointees include seasoned politicians, academics, and public servants entrusted with key postings in both strategic and traditional partner nations. Among them are:
Victor Emmanuel Smith – Ambassador to the United States (Washington D.C.)
Mavis Ama Frimpong – Ambassador to France (Paris)
Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed – High Commissioner to Nigeria (Abuja)
Kojo Bonsu – Ambassador to China (Beijing)
Sabah Zita Benson – High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (London)
Professor Ohene Adjei – Ambassador to Germany (Berlin)
Nii Amasah Namoale – Ambassador to Brazil (Brasilia)
Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso – High Commissioner to India (New Delhi
Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah – Ambassador to the United Nations (New York)
Other envoys have been assigned to Russia, Denmark, Turkey, Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, and the United Arab Emirates.
In addition, three senior officials were confirmed as ambassadors in-situ: Aikins Abrokwa (Director of State Protocol), Gustav Kwaku Sefe Dovlo (Chief of Protocol), and Patience Kokui Gameli-Kwame (Deputy Director General, Research Department).
A New Era of Economic Diplomacy
President Mahama emphasized that the appointments come at a time when Ghana is repositioning its foreign service to focus more on economic diplomacy, regional security, and the welfare of citizens abroad.
He urged the envoys to forge stronger bilateral and multilateral partnerships that align with the government’s reset agenda.
“Our missions abroad must be seen as vehicles to attract investment, promote trade, and safeguard the dignity of Ghana on the international stage,” Mahama stated.
Cutting $15m Annual Diplomatic Rental Costs
Beyond the ceremonial swearing-in, Mahama also used the occasion to announce a bold policy shift — the launch of the STRIDE Initiative (Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing our own Properties).
For decades, the foreign missions have relied heavily on rented properties, costing the nation more than $15 million annually.
John Mahama described the practice as “a staggering waste of taxpayer resources,” insisting that it was time for Ghana to own its diplomatic infrastructure.
The President revealed that Cabinet has already approved the initiative, with transaction advisors appointed, standard architectural designs being prepared, and funding arrangements under negotiation.
The Ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs will spearhead the project.
“This decisive shift will ensure that our embassies and high commissions abroad are housed in properties that belong to Ghana. It is not just about saving money but also about protecting our national pride,” he declared.
