Mahama commissions five new envoys

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday commissioned five envoys to represent Ghana abroad during a ceremony at the Presidency in Accra.

The event followed the administration of the Oath of Office and the Oath of Allegiance, marking the formal assumption of duties by the envoys.

The commissioning was later shared on the Presidency’s official X account, highlighting the administration’s ongoing diplomatic engagements.

The newly commissioned envoys are Alhaji Said Saleh Sinare as Ambassador-designate to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Lt. Col. Al Hajj Umar Sanda Ahmed as Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Mali; Mr. Kofi Attor as Ambassador-designate to the Republic of Cuba; Mr. Emmanuel Opeku as Ambassador-in-Situ; and Mrs. Regina Appiah-Sam as High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of Malta.

During the ceremony, President Mahama emphasized the importance of professionalism and public service in Ghana’s foreign missions.

He impressed on the envoys the need to ensure that Ghana’s diplomatic missions are welcoming, accessible and responsive to the concerns and welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.

The president underscored the role of envoys as the face of the country and key actors in protecting citizens while promoting national interests.

The commissioning also drew public attention due to a light moment at the ceremony.

President Mahama was seen sharing a brief joke with the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, whose colourful Fugu attire stood out.

The exchange, captured on camera, quickly circulated online and sparked conversations on social media.

Fugu, a traditional smock associated largely with northern Ghana, has been prominent in recent public discourse.

During his recent visit Lusaka, Zambian netizens appeared to mock President John Dramani Mahama’s outfit, calling his smock a blouse.

Ghanaians have reacted fiercely against the characterisation, calling it ignorant and colonial.

Meanwhile there have been calls here in Ghana to make the fugu a regular costume in national life.