Ambassador Korantwi-Barimah engages Ghanaians in Egypt

Ghana’s Ambassador to Egypt, H.E. Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah, has called on Ghanaians living in Egypt to unite and actively contribute to Ghana’s national development, stressing that the diaspora remains a critical force in the country’s progress and transformation.

Addressing a well-attended diaspora engagement forum with the Ghanaian community in Cairo over the weekend, the Ambassador conveyed heartfelt greetings from President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana, as well as warm felicitations from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP).

Prof. Korantwi-Barimah commended the organizers of the forum, the leadership of the Ghanaian community, Ghanaian professionals, and Ghanaian students in Egypt for their outstanding roles in making the gathering a success.

“I am thrilled to connect with you and share updates on Ghana’s progress. Ghana is moving forward with significant economic reforms and development projects, and there is the need for all Ghanaians to work together to build a stronger Ghana,” he stated.

The Ambassador emphasized that the Cairo Mission remains fully committed to supporting Ghanaian citizens abroad, describing Ghanaians in Egypt as key stakeholders within a larger global network.

He urged members of the community to harness their skills, resources, and influence to help drive Ghana’s growth and development.

Mission Services
Amb. Prof. Korantwi-Barimah outlined a wide range of consular services currently available at the Cairo Mission to support citizens, including passport renewal, replacement, and issuance of new passports, emergency support during crises, document certification, and organization of cultural and networking events.

The Ambassador used the opportunity to address what he described as a growing misconception regarding residence permits for Ghanaian citizens. He clarified that the Embassy does not issue residence permits to its citizens, noting that such permits are handled by the immigration authorities of the host country, stressing “it is never done anywhere by diplomatic missions.” He, therefore, urged all Ghanaians arriving in Egypt to register with the Mission to facilitate access to consular support services and to ensure strict compliance with Egyptian immigration laws to avoid unnecessary arrests.

New Initiatives
Prof. Korantwi-Barimah announced a series of new initiatives aimed at improving consular service delivery and strengthening ties with the diaspora. Top among them is the planned issuance of Ghana Card to eligible Ghanaians in Egypt. According to him, the Mission is currently in discussions with the National Identification Authority (NIA) to deploy a team to Egypt to register and issue Ghana Cards to Ghanaians living in Egypt, similar to exercises recently conducted by the Authority in countries such as the United Kingdom.

He also announced plans for a comprehensive data compilation exercise to register and maintain updated records of all Ghanaians living in Egypt. This initiative, he said, would support the efficient issuance of Ghana Cards and improve the delivery of timely consular services.

Another key initiative unveiled is the “24-Hour Access Initiative,” which will allow Ghanaians to reach the Mission at any time without prior appointment. The initiative, he explained, is designed to strengthen engagement with the community, address urgent concerns promptly, and reassure citizens of the Mission’s continuous support.

Unity and National Pride
Ambassador Korantwi-Barimah reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to deepening collaboration with the Ghanaian community in Egypt. He urged members to actively support President Mahama’s Reset Agenda, live in unity, obey the laws of the host country, and uphold Ghana’s cherished values of hospitality, respect for authority, and patriotism.

He also assured that the welfare of Ghanaians in Egypt and other countries under the Mission’s concurrent accreditation remains his top priority. “We are here for the good and wellbeing of all Ghanaians, devoid of religious, tribal or political affiliations. Let us leverage our skills and resources to drive Ghana’s development,” he said.

Ghanaian Professionals in Egypt hailed

In an earlier engagement, Ambassador Prof. Korantwi-Barimah, commended Ghanaian professionals living and working in Egypt for their outstanding contributions to national development and for upholding the country’s image abroad.

Addressing a gathering of Ghanaian nationals working with the World Bank, the Africa Export-Import (AFREXIM) Bank, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the Africa Space Agency in Cairo as part of activities climaxing Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebrations, the Ambassador expressed pride in the achievements of Ghanaian professionals in Egypt, describing them as worthy ambassadors of the nation.

“Today, we acknowledge and express our pride in your contributions to Ghana’s development and encourage you to continue to make a positive impact. Ghana is proud of you, and the entire staff at the Cairo Mission equally hold you in high esteem,” he stated.

The Ambassador also underscored the longstanding historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Egypt, tracing the relationship back to the close friendship between Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and former Egyptian President, Gamal Abdel Nasser. He reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to deepening relations with Egypt in areas such as peace, security, trade, investment, and consular support for Ghanaian citizens in Egypt and other accredited countries.

Speaking on leveraging the diaspora for national development, Prof. Korantwi-Barimah urged all present to leverage their expertise and expertise to drive Ghana’s development. “My brothers and sisters, Ghana needs partnerships and your expertise to build the Ghana we want. If we do not organize, collaborate, and show up, others will fill the space, and the opportunity to contribute our quota to nation building will pass us by,” he stressed. This is a call to go home humbly with the needed expertise and build Ghana together, and posterity will forever be proud of us,” he admonished.