Ghana’s Foreign Minister Encourages Staff to Pursue Excellence in Diplomacy

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has charged staff of the Ministry to actively seek further education and international positions to bolster Ghana’s diplomatic footprint on the continent and beyond.

Addressing staff at a celebratory reception following their exceptional performance at the 2025 Civil Service Week, the Minister emphasized the importance of self-development, urging officers to seize opportunities for academic advancement and to apply for strategic roles at institutions such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations.

“If you see international positions that you qualify for, go for it. Submit your name. We’ll set up a campaign team. We’ll back you fully,” Ablakwa said. He also encouraged staff to identify relevant academic courses that address institutional gaps and pledged the Ministry’s support to help them acquire such skills, even if funding has to be deferred.

The Minister bemoaned Ghana’s low representation in key international organisations, stating, “We are not doing well with country quotas—not at the AU, not at the UN, not at ECOWAS. So let’s push ourselves. Let’s go high.”

The call for capacity building was made during a ceremony to honour the Ministry’s staff, who swept numerous awards during the Civil Service Week sporting competition. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emerged as the dominant force in both athletic and major categories.

“You have made everybody know that the staff at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are not only good at diplomacy but are multi-talented” he said

Among the achievements celebrated were the Ministry’s male football team emerging overall best. The Best Coach, the Best Midfielder, Outstanding Cooking.
The Ministry also took home top professional recognitions at the Civil Service Awards:
9th Best Performing Chief Director: Ambassador Ramses J. Clement
Best Performing Director: Ambassador Jane Abla Gassou Ahed (Legal and Treaties Bureau)

Best Performing Head of Chancery: Mr. John Kwesi Wachiki (for his tenure in China)

Ablakwa praised the team’s unity and work ethic, highlighting how every staff member, regardless of rank or role, contributed to the Ministry’s success. “It didn’t matter your status—whether you are a driver or chief director—we all came together. That is the spirit. That is how we should proceed.”

He further encouraged staff to embrace excellence, teamwork, and ambition. “We can be the best foreign service in the world. It’s all about driving ourselves and pushing hard. Once we pursue those values, we are unstoppable.”

As part of their community service during the week, the Ministry also assisted about 50 Ghanaians with online passport applications, showcasing their commitment to public service delivery.

The Minister concluded by reinforcing his promise to invest in the staff’s potential. “Let’s keep building capacity, let’s go for it, and let’s keep winning—so we’ll always remain special.”