Mahama Inaugurates 11 New Diplomats

President John Dramani Mahama has officiated the swearing-in of eleven new Ghanaian ambassadors, who will represent Ghana’s interests in international missions, highlighting his administration’s focus on strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting Ghana’s foreign policy goals.

The swearing-in ceremony, which took place in Accra yesterday, followed the confirmation of diplomatic appointments by host countries throughout September 2025. Each ambassador received formal presidential instruments of commission, officially confirming their appointments to their respective diplomatic positions.

All the appointees are non-career diplomats drawn from varied professional backgrounds. Among those commissioned were Kwesi Ahwoi, named Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia; Kojo Choi, Ambassador to South Korea; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner to Togo; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada; Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, High Commissioner to Namibia; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary; Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa; Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Republic of Congo; Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican); Prof. Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Switzerland; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.

President Mahama assigned the diplomats the task of showcasing Ghana’s image as a stable democracy and a reliable partner for trade, investment, and sustainable development.

He stressed that their work should not only strengthen bilateral relations but also promote the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.

Addressing the envoys prior to their departure, the President took the opportunity to advise Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States.

He explained that the visa restrictions recently imposed by the Trump administration were primarily a result of Ghanaian nationals overstaying their permits, particularly students and members of official delegations.

“Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,” President Mahama said.

He noted that assurances were given to U.S. authorities that Ghana would work to reduce the number of overstayers.

“I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so, they have the record. So, when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,” he cautioned.

In addition, the President explained that there were no financial provisions made during Ghana’s negotiations with Washington. Talks are currently underway regarding U.S. trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which had previously allowed African countries to have tariff-free access to U.S. markets.

Concerning the deportation of certain West African nationals to Ghana, the President stressed that the country will not admit individuals who pose a threat to national security.

“I would like to assure my fellow Ghanaians that our understanding with the U.S. does not compromise our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not serve as a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we admit individuals with a history of criminal activity,” he declared.