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President Akufo-Addo Appoints Six New Envoys

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The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has given letters of accreditation to five new envoys at a brief ceremony at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, 14th June, 2023.

Appointed in accordance with Article 74 (1) of the constitution, all six persons, according to the President are Career Diplomats, who have reached the apex of their careers and have been chosen to become the country’s High Commissioner and Ambassadors designate.

They are H.E. Mr. Samuel Yao Kumah, High Commissioner to Australia, H.E. Ms Doris Adzo Denyo Brese, Ambassador to the Czech Republic, H.E. Mr Mohammed Habib Idris, Ambassador to Kuwait, H.E. Mr Kingsford Amoako, Ambassador to Liberia, H.E. Mr Mark Michael Entsie, Ambassador to Libya and H.E. Mr Alex Owiredu Adu, Ambassador to Niger.

These envoys, the President stated, “have distinguished themselves in the public service of our country and are eminently fit, to represent Ghana in their respective places of accreditation.”

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“I must perforce, single out for special mention, the High Commissioner designate to the Commonwealth Dominion of Australia. Mr Samuel Yao Kumah. As someone you know, he has until today, been the Director of State Protocol at the Presidency. He has been at my side, since he assumed this role some three years ago. During which time, he has served with commitment, competence, diligence, honesty, humility and integrity,” he acknowledged.

Additionally, “his decades of service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he once served as the Chief of Protocol, has today been rewarded to the highest position available at the Ministry.”

Touching on the necessity of their appointments at this time, President Akufo-Addo said, “government in 2021, launched the Ghana Cares Obaatanpa program, which sets us on a roadmap towards revitalisation of the Ghanaian economy.”

He continued that, the main elements of this program are supporting commercial farms and attracting educative youth into commercial farming, building the country’s light manufacturing sector, developing and engineering machine tools, and ICT digital economy industries, fast tracking digitalisation, developing Ghana’s housing and construction industry and establishing Ghana as a regional hub.

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He added that, reviewing and optimizing the implementation of government flagship and e-programs, creating jobs for young people and expanding opportunities to the vulnerable in society including physically challenged persons are also part of the key areas.

With these at the core of his second term, he charged them to “familiarise themselves with the objectives above as they represent one of the surest ways out of the crisis confronting the nation, and will help the country on the path of rapid progress and prosperity, buoyed on by the continued transformation of the restructure of the Ghanaian economy. Each one of you must help in contributing to the success of this program, by facilitating amongst other things, as much foreign investment into the country as you can.”

With regards to their work at the multi-lateral level, the President urged the new envoys to work with their accredited Governments, towards assisting in the prosecution of the country’s common agenda in the fight against the scourge of armed conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremists, the threats of climate change, and the illicit outflow of funds from Africa and simultaneously promote the image of Ghana, whose reputation amongst the Committee of Nations continues to be high.

“You represent a country that as a result of commendable conduct of the Ghanaian people is regarded as one of the most stable on the African Continent. It has a functioning democracy, governed by respect of the rule of law, individual liberties and human rights, and the principles of democratic accountability anchored on the separation of powers. We are considered a beacon of democracy in Africa. You are the most visible symbol of our country out there, and in all your actions, you must guard jealously our country’s image. I am confident this is a charge you will keep,” he advised.

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Concluding, President Akufo-Addo said, “Ghana is in very good terms with all the countries to which you have been posted, our bilateral simulation stands several decades, and our ties of corporation remains strong. Your role is to deepen these even further, as well as explore new areas of effective corporations, which will inure to the mutual benefit of our respective populations.”

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NTC holds thanksgiving service to start New Year

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Mrs Charity Binka

The New Times Corporation (NTC) on Monday held its annual thanksgiving service, bringing together staff and management to reflect on the past year, express gratitude, and renew their commitment to the organisation’s growth.

Mrs Charity Binka (seated third from right)
Mrs Charity Binka (seated third from right)

At the service, the Deputy Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) and a Board Member of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Madam Charity Binka, called for strong and intentional collaboration among staff, emphasising that unity and teamwork were crucial to transforming the corporation during its challenging times.

Some Management of NTC

“This is a time to break silos, share ideas and work together as one team with a shared vision,” she said, adding that innovation and digital transformation must be embraced to secure NTC’s future.

Madam Binka expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the corporation and its employees despite financial and operational difficulties.

“Though the journey has not been smooth, God has sustained us. We are here today because of His grace,” she indicated, acknowledging the resilience and dedication of staff who have kept The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator among the country’s most respected newspapers.

Some staff singing praises at the service

Quoting Jeremiah 29:11, she encouraged staff to remain hopeful and confident that brighter days lie ahead.

Delivering the sermon, Rev. John Akorli of Word Divine International Ministry at Sukura, Accra, cautioned staff against excessive talking and gossip, warning that careless speech could create unnecessary problems.

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Rev. Akorli further reminded staff that their identity should not be defined by past mistakes, family background, or negative labels.

Staff of the Corporation at the service

He encouraged them to live confidently, depend on God’s guidance, and remain focused on their responsibilities, noting that spiritual awareness and discipline were essential to personal and organisational growth.

The service ended with prayers for unity, renewal, and a prosperous new chapter for the New Times Corporation.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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Bishop raises alarm over rate of divorce

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Bishop Joseph Afrifa Agyekum

The Catholic Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese, Bishop Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, has expressed concern over the rising rate of divorce in the country, attributing the trend largely to inadequate knowledge about marriage and misplaced expectations of couples.

He said many marriages were collapsing because couples entered into the union without a clear understanding of the responsibilities, sacrifices and commitments that marriage demands.

The Bishop raised the concern while addressing congregants at the 50th anniversary of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church at Madina on Sunday.

According to him, marriage was increasingly being viewed through unrealistic lenses shaped by social media, peer pressure and material expectations, rather than mutual respect, patience and shared values.

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“Many people go into marriage with expectations that are not grounded in reality. When those expectations are not met, conflict sets in and eventually leads to separation or divorce,” he observed.

The Bishop noted that some couples lacked proper preparation before marriage, adding that pre-marital counselling was often treated as a formality rather than an opportunity to gain deeper insight into marital life.

He stressed the need for churches, families and society to intensify education on marriage, particularly among the youth, to help them make informed decisions before entering into marital unions.

The Bishop also urged married couples to embrace dialogue, forgiveness and understanding, saying disagreements were inevitable but could be resolved through patience and commitment.

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He urged couples experiencing challenges to seek counselling instead of resorting to separation, emphasising that strong families remained the foundation of a stable and progressive society.

By Kennedy Afedzi

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