Empowering Diplomats: Foreign Minister Inaugurates FSI Governing Council to Shape Ghana’s Diplomatic Future

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated the first Governing Council of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), a premier institution dedicated to providing professional training for Foreign Service Officers and public officials. The FSI was established in 2023 to bridge the gap between academic theory and diplomatic practice, with a vision to become a center of excellence for diplomatic training and research on the African continent.

The Governing Council, chaired by Minister Ablakwa, comprises esteemed members who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. The members include:

Amb. Ramses J. Cleland: Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chief Director of the Governing Council

Amb. Philibert I.K.A Johnson: Director/PPMEB

Amb. Jane Gasu: Director/LETB

Amb. Muhammad Adam: Director/FSI and Ghana’s African Union-endorsed candidate for Secretary-General of UN Tourism (2026-2029)

Mr. Fred Amissah: Ministry of Finance Representative

Mr. Kofi Safo Akyea: Board Member

Mr. Clarence Amoatey: Board Member

Madam Gina Apenteng: Board Member

Hon. Sebastian Deh: MP for Kpando and Board Member

Hon. Adams Mahama Misbahu: MP for Mion and Board Member

Hon. Kwame Gakpey: MP for Keta and Board Member

Amb. Grant Ntrakwa: Board Member

Amb. Agnes Aggrey Orleans: Board Member

In his remarks, Minister Ablakwa noted that the FSI aims to nurture diplomatic excellence, promote Afrocentric perspectives, and craft solutions to Africa’s collective challenges. He expressed confidence in the Governing Council’s ability to provide principled, visionary, and exemplary leadership.

A Commitment to Excellence

In his post-inauguration speech, Mr. Fred Amissah, representing the Ministry of Finance, pledged the Board’s unflinching commitment to executing a good job for Mother Ghana. “We are dedicated to working tirelessly to ensure the FSI achieves its vision and contributes meaningfully to Ghana’s foreign policy objectives,” he said.

The FSI has made significant strides since its establishment, including convening high-level policy dialogues and public lectures, delivering orientation programs, and securing the hosting rights for the 2027 edition of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT). The Institute plans to introduce intensive language training in Spanish, French, and Chinese, and develop Ghanaian and African-led diplomatic literature.

As Ghana prepares to welcome the global diplomatic community to Accra in 2027, the FSI is poised to evolve into a leading African think tank, championing African agency and innovative ideas for the continent’s future global positioning. With the Governing Council at the helm, the FSI is well-positioned to achieve its vision and make a lasting impact on Ghana’s diplomatic landscape.