Mahama stresses the need for results-oriented diplomacy after commissioning Ambassadors-designate to Japan and Ethiopia

President John Dramani Mahama has officially commissioned Ghana’s Ambassadors-designate to Japan and the Ethiopia, urging them to strengthen diplomatic relations and pursue results-driven diplomacy that delivers economic benefits for the country.

The commissioning ceremony took place on May 13, 2026, where Mr. Humphery Chatio Ajongba was appointed Ambassador-designate to Japan, while H.E. Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong was commissioned as Ambassador-designate to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

As part of the official process, both envoys took the Oaths of Allegiance, Office, and Secrecy in accordance with Ghana’s diplomatic and constitutional traditions.

Addressing the diplomats during the ceremony, President Mahama emphasized the importance of using diplomacy as a strategic tool to advance Ghana’s national interests, particularly in the areas of trade, investment, economic cooperation, and international partnerships.

He encouraged the ambassadors to draw on their extensive experience as career diplomats to deepen the longstanding bilateral relations between Ghana and their host countries.

The President stressed that Ghana’s foreign policy under his administration would focus on practical and results-oriented diplomacy capable of creating opportunities and economic value for the Ghanaian people.

According to him, the ambassadors would be expected to actively promote Ghana’s economic interests abroad while strengthening cooperation in areas such as education, technology, trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange.

President Mahama acknowledged the significant responsibilities ahead of the envoys but expressed confidence in their competence, professionalism, and ability to effectively represent Ghana on the international stage.

Responding on behalf of both ambassadors, H.E. Mr. McArios Akanbeanab Akanbong expressed gratitude to the President for the trust and confidence placed in them through their nominations.

He assured the President that both diplomats would work diligently to advance Ghana’s image and interests in Ethiopia and Japan respectively.

Mr. Akanbong also commended the Mahama administration for what he described as Ghana’s impressive economic progress across multiple sectors and pledged their commitment to contributing to national development through effective diplomatic service.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several senior government officials and presidential staff, including Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff at the Presidency; Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations; and Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Adviser and Special Aide to the President.

Also present were Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The appointments form part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic strategy to strengthen international cooperation and expand the country’s global presence through experienced diplomatic representation.