Amerley Ollennu Awua‑Asamoa,Elizabeth Salamatu Forgor,Joseph Ayikoi Otoo,Napoleon Abdulai,
Margaret Ekua Prah,Esther Dzifa Ofori,Abena Pokua A. Busia,Paulina Patience Abayage,George Ayisi‑Boateng,
Naa Bolinaa Sakaa
Here’s a comprehensive article and biographies of the 15 individuals appointed by President John Dramani Mahama as Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Consuls-General. Their missions span continents and reflect Ghana’s diplomatic reach during his tenure.
President Mahama’s appointment of these 15 envoys illustrates a deliberate diplomatic strategy: strengthening Ghana’s presence globally, leveraging diverse expertise, and pursuing both bilateral and multilateral objectives. From career professionals to political figures, these envoys became key instruments of Ghana’s external relations under his leadership.
1. Selma Frances Mancell‑Egala (Ambassador to Turkey)
A career diplomat with extensive service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Appointed Ambassador to Ankara to strengthen Ghana–Turkey relations.
2. Paul Okoh (Ambassador to Egypt)
Appointed to Cairo, Paul Okoh represents Ghana in strengthening ties with Egypt—key in African and Arab diplomacy.
3. Mercy Bampo Addo (Ambassador to Malta)
A seasoned diplomat tasked with enhancing economic and consular ties between Ghana and the EU member Malta.
4. Kwasi Owusu‑Yeboah (Ambassador to Togo)
Serving in Lomé, likely with a background in regional policy, aims to bolster cross-border cooperation.
5. Sophia Horner‑Sam (Ambassador to the Netherlands)
Posted in The Hague to advance Ghana’s interests in international law, Europe, and agriculture.
6. Amerley Ollennu Awua‑Asamoa (Ambassador to Denmark)
A prominent female diplomat overseeing relations in Copenhagen with its strong business and renewable energy sectors.
7. Elizabeth Salamatu Forgor (Ambassador to Namibia)
Headed Ghana’s mission in Windhoek, focusing on deepening Southern African engagement.
8. Joseph Ayikoi Otoo (Ambassador to Canada)
Appointed to Ottawa with a key mandate in trade, diaspora engagement, and education partnerships.
9. Napoleon Abdulai (Ambassador to Cuba)
Posted in Havana, supporting diplomatic, cultural, and educational cooperation between Ghana and Cuba.
10. Margaret Ekua Prah (Ambassador to Zambia)
Former High Commissioner to Zambia (2016–2017) — reappointed to deepen bilateral security and economic links.
11. Esther Dzifa Ofori (Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea)
Charged with strengthening ties in Central Africa, especially in energy and linguistic cooperation.
12. Abena Pokua A. Busia (Ambassador to Brazil)
Academic-diplomat appointed to Brasilia to advance trade, agriculture, and South–South cooperation.
13. Paulina Patience Abayage (Ambassador to Italy)
Serving in Rome, focusing on development aid, culture, and bilateral investment.
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14. George Ayisi‑Boateng (Ambassador to South Africa)
Posted to Pretoria for key trade union and regional diplomacy in southern Africa.
George Ayisi-Boateng obtained Bachelors at 64, MBA at 67 and PhD at 75years.
In 2005, the then almost 60-year-old George Ayisi-Boateng told himself it was never too late to go back to school for higher educational qualifications.
If he had been working in the public sector, he would have been preparing to proceed on retirement in November 2005.
15. Naa Bolinaa Sakaa (Ambassador to Burkina Faso)
Appointed to Ouagadougou to foster cross-border trade, security, and ECOWAS integration.
Deeper Profiles on Select Figures
Margaret Ekua Prah served as High Commissioner to Zambia (2016–2017) following her tenure as Ambassador to Belgium (2012–2016). She brought her extensive diplomatic experience back to Zambia under Mahama.
Oheneba Dr Lesley Akyaa Opoku‑Ware served as Ambassador to Russia, part of an envoy group of 21 appointed, including high commissioners, during Mahama’s second term.
Context & Significance
In December 2012, Mahama appointed seven envoys, including Morgan Adokwei Brown (Belgium) and Kodjo Asimeng Wadee (Liberia), underscoring his early push to strengthen Ghana’s diplomatic outreach globally.
The December 2015 commissioning of three envoys to Benin, Guinea, and Spain highlights a continued strategic deployment in West Africa and Europe.
The December 2014 commissioning of 12 ambassadors and high commissioners—including media practitioners and retired generals—demonstrates a blend of diplomatic and political appointments supporting Mahama’s goals.
Why These Appointments Mattered
Geographical coverage: These 15 appointees span five continents, reflecting Ghana’s global diplomatic engagement.
Mixed expertise: The mix of career diplomats and political appointees balanced professional diplomacy with patronage.
Strategic intent: Appointments corresponded with trade priorities (e.g., Italy, Brazil), regional security (e.g., Burkina, Zambia), and cultural diplomacy (e.g., Cuba).
