The government has honoured five Ghanaian diplo­mats for their con­tributions towards the enhancement of the country’s diplomacy over the years.

They are Dr Obed Yaw Asamoah, former Foreign Affairs Minister; Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambers, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador James Victor Gbeho, former Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Chris Kpodo, former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Ambassador Richard Maximil­lian Akwei.

The diplomats were honoured by the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Mr Julius Debrah, during the closing of a 5-day conference for Heads of Missions and orientation for newly appointed envoys held in Accra on Friday.

Speaking at the event, Mr Debrah said that the service and contribu­tions of the five diplomats over the years had influenced Ghana’s repu­tation on the international stage.

According to him, the career of the honoured diplomats embodied the vision and core principles of integrity, professionalism, and dedi­cation that the country upholds.

Mr Debrah said, “Your collective legacy is woven into Ghana’s fabric of respected international standing. You have set the bar high, and on behalf of President Mahama, the government, and the people of Ghana, I extend my gratitude and heartfelt congratulations for your exemplary service and well-de­served recognition.”

He further charged the Heads of Missions and newly appointed envoys at the conference to learn from and emulate the diplomats who had been recognised.

Mr Debrah also urged the newly appointed envoys to ensure that the dedication of the diplomats who were honoured served as a guiding light in the delivery of their duties.

“Distinguished envoys, the task before you is great. You are the standard bearers of Ghana’s reinvigorated foreign policy vision. Embrace economic diplomacy, champion African unity and inte­gration, engage the Ghanaian dias­pora meaningfully and protect the welfare of every Ghanaian abroad, advocate for climate interest and work with integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to our national interest,” he added.

The Chief of Staff commended the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for the visionary leadership, hard work, and passion he had brought to bear at the Ministry while urging the staff of the ministry to support the Min­ister to deliver on his mandate.

Mr Ablakwa described the confer­ence and orientation as rigorous and internship and therefore commend­ed the participants for the dedica­tion and commitment demonstrated throughout the 5-day event.

According to him, the knowledge and insights that the participants had obtained at the conference would help shape, strengthen and enhance the country’s diplomatic ties with other nations.

Among the attendees at the event were the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu and the Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Senegal, Mrs Yassine Fall.