The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ghana) has launched its maiden Ambassadors’ Chat Series, aimed at enhancing the professional development of foreign service officers through direct engagement with seasoned diplomats.
The initiative is designed to strengthen capacity within the Foreign Service by equipping officers with practical diplomatic knowledge and real-world perspectives.
The initiative provides a platform for junior and mid-level officers to interact with experienced and retired envoys, fostering mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and a culture of professional excellence within Ghana’s diplomatic service.
According to the ministry, the programme forms part of a broader effort to modernise Ghana’s diplomatic corps. Officials noted that in an increasingly complex and volatile global environment, learning from the practical experiences of “battle-tested” diplomats is essential for effectively advancing and protecting national interests.
The inaugural session featured veteran diplomat Richard Maximillian Akwei, one of Ghana’s first Foreign Service Officers.
During the session, Ambassador Akwei reflected on Ghana’s foreign policy trajectory since independence, highlighting the country’s role in Africa’s liberation struggles, the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (now the African Union), and its participation in the Non-Aligned Movement.
He also shared personal experiences of working with Kwame Nkrumah, describing the period as both defining and inspiring. Drawing on decades of service, he provided insights into historical diplomatic engagements and current global developments, including their implications for emerging diplomats.
Ambassador Akwei commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his leadership and efforts to promote innovation in diplomacy.
The inaugural session was described as engaging and insightful, setting the stage for future editions of the series.
The Ambassadors’ Chat Series reflects Ghana’s commitment to leveraging institutional memory and experience to train a new generation of diplomats capable of navigating an evolving global landscape.
Story by: Francis Sowah
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