President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, July 10, welcomed five new envoys accredited to Ghana.

This was after they formally presented their Letters of Credence, which marks the official beginning of their diplomatic missions in the country.

After receiving their letters, the president welcomed them, assuring them of Ghana’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations and maintaining friendly relations, fostering regional cooperation, and expanding economic and cultural exchanges with all countries worldwide.

He emphasised the need to nurture mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in the areas of trade, economic development, technical and security cooperation, tourism, and cultural exchanges.

“Ghana remains open, friendly, and committed to productive partnerships. As you begin your missions, know that you have our full support in advancing mutual interests across trade, health, education, tourism, and democratic governance. Together, we can achieve impactful outcomes that benefit our people,” he said.

The new envoys who presented their credentials are Her Excellency Mrs. Maria Da Conceicao De Souse Pilar, Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal; His Excellency Conrad Vincent Mederic, High Commissioner of the Republic of Seychelles; His Excellency Citizen Jesús Albert Garcia, Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela; His Excellency Gonfouli Souariba, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad; and His Excellency Maximin Mangoualamangoye, High Commissioner of the Republic of Gabon.

In his welcome message to Mr. Bul Quoc Hung of Vietnam, President Mahama highlighted his anticipation for their contribution as his government implements the flagship 24-hour economy policy.

“Ghana has been following Vietnam’s rapid economic transformation. We believe there’s a lot of room for cooperation, especially as we implement our 24-Hour Economy Policy and Reset Agenda.”

Also, to Mr. Lincoln G. Downer, from Jamaica, President Mahama called for the establishment of missions in both countries due to their “historic ties,” which unite them by blood.

“Despite our historic ties, we still lack missions in each other’s capitals. We must change that. Our countries are joined by blood and history. Let’s revive the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation and explore opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

To the envoy from Greece, Mr. Athanasios B. Kotsionis, President Mahama told him that “Ghana-Greece relations are long-standing, though economic ties are modest. We can build on the $31 million in imports and $17 million in exports. The Tsakos Foundation and the Greek School in Tema are great examples of cultural collaboration.”

President Mahama, in his address, also took the opportunity to appeal to Burundi for their support when it's time to choose the AU Chair. He said to Mr. Antit Mohsen (Tunisia) & Mr. Edouard Nduwimana from Burundi, “Ghana is currently the Second Vice-Chair of the African Union. When the AU Chair becomes vacant, we’ll seek your support for Ghana’s bid, as it’s West Africa’s turn.”

This marks the third group of envoys President Mahama has received so far since he assumed office in January. On Tuesday, June 10, he received Letters of Credence from four newly appointed ambassadors-designate and one high commissioner-designate at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House in Accra.

The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The envoys included H.E. Mr. Bui Quoc Hung of the Republic of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Athanasios V. Kotsionis of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, H.E. Mr. Lincoln George Downer of Jamaica, H.E. Mr. Antit Mohsen of the Republic of Tunisia, and H.E. Mr. Edouard Nduwimana of the Republic of Burundi.

Also, President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, March 12, formally received five newly appointed envoys representing Italy, Cuba, Liberia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Iran, as they presented their letters of credence at the Presidency in Accra.

The diplomats, who also submitted letters recalling their predecessors, included Madam Laura Ranalli of Italy, Mr. Julio Enrique Pujol Torres of Cuba, Mrs. Musu Jatu Ruhle of Liberia, Dr. Abdulla Muraid Sulaiman Mohammed Al Mandoos of the UAE, and Mr. Ali Ghomshi of Iran.