Three new ambassadors sworn in

President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday asked Ghana's Ambassadors to endeavour to exhibit the dignity expected of them as representatives of Ghana.

"You should discharge your responsibilities fully aware that you act for and on behalf of the President and the country," he said when he presented instruments of Commission and Letters of Credence to Ambassadors to China, Morocco and Mali.

They were: Mr Afare Apeadu Donkor for China, Mr Kobina Annan for Morocco and Mr Kwadwo Afoakwa Sarpong for Mali. They swore the oaths of allegiance, office and secrecy before the President.

President Kufuor said above all issues they should secure the interest, security and better conditions for Ghanaians in the various countries. "Anything less than the expectation as a worthy Ambassador of Ghana, would not be acceptable to the government. You are not free to perform anyhow. Your activities would be monitored at home,'' he added.

To Mr Donkor, President Kufuor said China had a lot of promises to the economic prosperity of Ghana and he should ensure that the relationship between both countries grew and matured to their mutual benefit. On relations between Ghana and Morocco, President Kufuor said missions in both countries were closed down for about 30 years.

He said Morocco re-opened its Mission in Ghana last year and with the re-opening of the Ghana Mission in Rabat, Mr Annan should ensure he developed the necessary connections to establish the right image for Ghana.

President Kufuor disclosed that Ghana had property in Bamako that the new ambassador should restore. He should take good care of the many Ghanaians in Mali in line with the various ECOWAS Protocols. He said "we should always remember that Ghana is re-building itself, therefore, we should do our best to the nation."

Mr Donkor on behalf of his colleagues said they deemed their appointment as a challenge to justify and confirm the trust reposed in them as Ambassadors. He said they would uphold the principles and objectives of the government and also hold-in-high esteem the President's dreams and vision for the country.

Present was Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Vice President, Alhaji Mustapha Ali Idris, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr Jake O. Obetsebi-Lamptey, Minister of Information and Presidential Affairs.