President Mahama Commissions New Ambassadors with Strong Diplomatic Mandate
President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday October 1, 2025 commissioned a new cohort of ambassadors and High Commissioners at the Presidential Palace, marking a transformative moment in Ghana’s diplomatic strategy with the introduction of unprecedented accountability measures and a renewed focus on results-driven international representation.
President Mahama announced the implementation of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the first time in the nation’s diplomatic history. “For the first time in our diplomatic practice, we have introduced KPIs – a clear set of expectations that define your mandate, provide benchmarks for your assessments and directly connect your work to our national objectives,” President Mahama declared.
The ceremony, which follows a similar commissioning on September 4th, underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s international presence through strategic diplomatic appointments.
President Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s diplomatic missions must transition from passive observation to active participation in international affairs. “Your selection as ambassadors and High Commissioners is no coincidence. It reflects years of dedicated service, discipline and the confidence that state places in you to represent Ghana in your respective roles.” He stated .
The President outlined specific responsibilities for the new diplomatic corps, including:
– Presenting Ghana as a stable democracy with proven peaceful transitions
– Promoting the country as a land of opportunity for trade and investment
– Showcasing Ghana as a technology and innovation hub
– Highlighting the nation’s vibrant culture and tourism potential
Addressing recent negotiations with the United States regarding visa restrictions, President Mahama provided crucial clarifications about Ghana’s position. “Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,” he firmly stated.
The President assured citizens that the understanding with the US “does not undermine our sovereignty, security or stability” and is “limited, carefully vetted and aligned with ECOWAS protocols,” reflecting Ghana’s Pan-African commitment while safeguarding national dignity.
The new ambassadors have been tasked with sharpening Ghana’s economic diplomacy efforts. President Mahama expects them to “actively promote Ghana’s exports, secure new markets for our goods and attract investment for priority projects under the 24-hour Economy Initiative, the big push infrastructure program and our ambitious renewable energy transition program”.
Additionally, the diplomatic corps must mobilize Ghana’s diaspora communities as “active partners” in the national Reset agenda, leveraging their talent, capital, and goodwill.
The President emphasized that all missions must operate within established frameworks, including the Public Financial Management Act, Foreign Service regulations, and the comprehensive code of conduct for public appointees. “Accountability should be your hallmark. Transparency should be your practice,” Mahama stressed.
While service conditions have been enhanced under new foreign service regulations, the President made clear that “with these improved conditions comes greater responsibility.”
Connecting diplomatic efforts to domestic transformation, President Mahama positioned the new appointments within Ghana’s broader Reset agenda – a national blueprint for restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and rekindling prosperity.
“Every decision you take, every door you open, and every agreement you sign, must advance Ghana’s Reset agenda and uplift the lives of our citizens,” the President concluded, challenging the diplomatic team to serve with integrity and vision.
The commissioning ceremony represents a significant shift in Ghana’s approach to international relations, emphasizing measurable outcomes, national dignity, and the direct connection between diplomatic success and citizen welfare.
The names of Ambassadors/High Commissioners and assigned countries:
1. Excellency Mr. Benjamin Anani Quashie
High Commissioner-designate to Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
2. His Excellency Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh. High Commissioner-designate to
Lome, Togolese Republic
3. Her Excellency Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh High Commissioner-designate to Ottawa, Canada
4.His Excellency Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah. High Commissioner-designate, Windhoek, Republic of Namibia
5.His Excellency Kojo Choi
Ambassador-designate to South Korea Republic of Korea
6.His Excellency Dr. Kwame Ampofo
Ambassador-designate to Budapest, Hungary
7. Excellency Magnus Kofi Amoatey
Ambassador-designate to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
8. His Excellency Mr. Benedict Batabe Assorow
Ambassador-designate, Vatican City
9. Her Excellency Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah
Ambassador-designate to Berne, Swiss Confederation
10. His Excellency Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi
Ambassador-designate to Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
11. His Excellency Mohammed Abubakari Manaf
Ambassador-designate to Cotonou, Republic of Benin
