2023 New Year’s Greetings For Diplomatic Corps Held
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration held this year’s exchange of new year’s greetings for the members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Peduase Lodge, Aburi on 28th February 2023.
The event is held annually to strengthen the bond of friendship and promote goodwill between Ghana and other countries as well as International Organisations.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his welcome address assured members of the diplomatic corps of Ghana’s readiness to continue to promote the cordial and fruitful relations that exist between Ghana and their respective countries for the mutual benefit of all.
The President took the opportunity to express appreciation for the solidarity shown to Ghana by the various Governments of countries that were represented including Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, India, Japan, Malaysia, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, the People’s Republic of China, the Russian Federation, Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States of America amongst others in areas of governance, arts and culture, medicine, security, agriculture, technology, education, climate change, health, trade, water management, food security artificial intelligence, scholarship and training course opportunities extended to the benefit of Ghanaians and the provision of vaccines and PPEs during the Covid 19 pandemic.
The President of the Republic intimated Ghana’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability in the sub-region.
On her part, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey thanked the diplomats for their support in Ghana’s successful bid for the non-permanent membership of the United Nation Security Council.
She further noted that the occasion provides the global community with an opportunity to reaffirm Ghana’s interest to partner with countries and Regional bodies in addressing issues of global concern such as human insecurity, climate change, the post covid era, the twin effects of the Russian Ukraine war and progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
She added that, in line with Ghana’s principle of multilateralism, the country leveraged its diplomatic leadership and experience as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to champion International peace and security as well as inter-related issues of terrorism, climate change, and maritime piracy.
The Foreign Minister also encouraged friendly countries to explore trade and investment opportunities in the country which has been bolstered by Ghana’s hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat.
In response to the President’s speech, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Amb. Pingrenoma Zagre on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation with Ghana for sustained development and mutual gains. He commended Ghana’s efforts to contribute to peace and security in its role as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
He also applauded Ghana’s contributions to promoting continental and regional trade and investment through the AFCFTA mechanism.
The Government officials in attendance were H.E. Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief of Staff, Hon. Akosua Frema Osei Opare, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, and other dignitaries.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
