Build coalitions with African countries – Mahama to Ghana’s Permanent Representative in Geneva

President John Dramani Mahama has charged Mr Jedidiah Reuben Adogla, Ghana’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Switzerland, to build coalitions with African countries and other partners where their interests converge.

He also tasked him to help ensure that international rules take account of the needs of developing economies.

The President charged the representatives when he commissioned Mr Adogla together with three other new ambassadors at the Presidency in Accra.

The three other new ambassadors are Nana Antwiwaa Dodoo, Ambassador to Angola; Mr Louis Kwame Obeng, Ambassador to Qatar; Mrs Evelyn Korantemaa Ofosu-Amable, Ambassador to Israel.

The told Mr Adogla that as Ghana’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, he represents Ghana at institutions whose decisions affect public health, trade, labour, and human rights.

He charged him to ensure that Ghana’s positions were well articulated, clearly expressed, and supported by sustained engagement with other delegations that he encounters.

“Work closely with the relevant ministries and agencies so that Ghana’s negotiating positions reflect our position,” he said.

“Ghana’s re-election to the Human Rights Council for the 2027–2029 term places a renewed responsibility on us to contribute credibly and with purpose.”

President Mahama commended Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for the successful campaign in achieving this

He said, he expects Ghana’s mission in Geneva to help translate the confidence that had been placed in us into constructive service on the Council.

He said, the Ambassadors must also advance the Accra Reset agenda in Geneva, particularly in discussions on health sovereignty, equitable access to essential health products, and stronger national capacity.

He reminded the envoys that they would serve in different settings, but they represent one country and one government.

“Work within the policy framework established by government, maintain close coordination with your ministry, and provide timely, reliable advice on developments within your areas of responsibility,” President Mahama said.

He noted that Ghana’s decision to apply for partnership with the BRICS countries reflects their determination to broaden their development partnerships and deepen South-South cooperation.

He tasked the new envoys to explain this approach clearly as they seek wider opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation, and value addition, while sustaining their long-standing relationships and working relations with our traditional partners.

He urged them to let Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana guide their conduct.

The President also asked them to promote and protect Ghana’s interests, uphold international law, and contribute to a just and equitable international order through peaceful cooperation.

“Your key performance indicators provide a framework for accountability. Take them seriously. Set clear priorities for your mission. Deploy public resources responsibly and ensure that progress can be demonstrated,” the President stated.

He said the confidence placed in the envoys must be matched by professional discipline and sound judgement; saying, “lead your staff with fairness and respect”.

The President tasked them to protect the integrity of their office in their dealings with their host countries, international institutions, and their own citizens.

He also advised them to let their conduct reflect the dignity of the Republic of Ghana.

“I congratulate you once again. You have earned the opportunity to serve at this level. Now justify that confidence through the quality of service that you render,” he said.

The President charged them to keep Ghana’s interests at the centre of their work and make their service count for Ghanaians.