The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has honoured four veteran diplomats for their exceptional contributions to Ghana’s diplomacy and international relations.
At a ceremony in Accra last Friday, Dr. Obed Asamoah, Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, and Ambassador Chris Kpodo were celebrated for shaping Ghana’s foreign policy and strengthening the country’s global standing.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the honourees as “diplomatic giants” whose legacies remain relevant today. “Their legacy and wisdom will not be discarded or discounted,” he said.
Dr. Obed Asamoah, Ghana’s longest-serving Foreign Minister (1982–1997), also served as Attorney-General. His influence spanned both legal and foreign policy during crucial years of political transition.
Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, a seasoned diplomat and former MP for Keta, represented Ghana at the United Nations from 1980 to 1990. He later served as Foreign Minister (1997–2001) and as President of the ECOWAS Commission (2010–2012), earning recognition for his leadership in multilateral diplomacy.
Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas began as Deputy Foreign Minister in the early 1990s before rising to international prominence. He went on to lead the ECOWAS Commission, serve as Executive Secretary of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States, and hold senior positions at the United Nations. He currently serves as the African Union’s High Representative for Silencing the Guns, driving continental peace initiatives.
Ambassador Chris Kpodo joined the Foreign Service in 1973 and later became Ghana’s Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Deputy Foreign Minister under President John Atta Mills. He is widely respected for mentoring young diplomats and for his professionalism in both regional and bilateral diplomacy.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah praised the honourees for elevating Ghana’s reputation as a credible and respected voice on the world stage. He noted that their achievements laid the foundation for the country’s current focus on economic diplomacy to attract investment, jobs, and technology.
Mr. Ablakwa added that honouring the four was not only a recognition of their past service but also a call to the current generation of diplomats to uphold Ghana’s traditions of Pan-Africanism, fairness, and justice in international affairs.
Source: Adomonline
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