President Mills swears-in Ms Benneh as Ambassador designate to Zambia
President John Evans Atta Mills on Monday commissioned Ms Elizabeth Afua Benneh, former Director of Passports, as Ghana’s High Commissioner Designate to Zambia.
He charged her to use her expertise to strengthen the relations between the two sister African nations.
“You have the requisite experience and expertise; you deserve to be given the chance; we have no doubt you will justify the confidence we have in you,” President Mills said, at the Osu Castle where he commissioned the envoy.
Ms Benneh, who is also a career diplomat, swore to the Official Oath, the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath of Secrecy, administered by the President, and was later given the Instrument of Office, which is in the form of a scroll, painted in the Ghana national colours of red, yellow and green.
President Mills reminded the High Commissioner Designate that she was the “mother of all Ghanaians” resident in the Zambia and urged her to conduct her duties to the satisfaction of all.
Mr Chris Kpodo, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister traced the historical ties between the two nations.
He said they had shared commitment, and expressed the need for the Envoy to use her office to translate the relation into a productive union that would inure to the benefit of both countries.
Ms Benneh thanked the President for the confidence reposed in her, pledging with God’s help to work to the best of her ability.
Present at the commissioning was Professor George Benneh, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and some other family members.
In a related development, a delegation from the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), led by Prof Amii Omara-Otunu, Chair of Organisation’s Commission on Human Rights, also paid a courtesy call on President Mills.
The delegation is in the country to assess the progress on UNESCO assisted projects.
They praised Ghana’s practice of democracy and rule of law, which they said had become a shining example for the rest of Africa.
Prof Omara-Otunu extended an invitation to President Mills to deliver a lecture on democracy and rule of law at the next UN General Assembly.
President Mills lauded UNESCO’s effort in Ghana development, and saw her as great benefactor.
President Mills said the adoption of democracy brought with it obligations, but the challenges provided opportunities for more experiences to move ahead.
He called investors to take advantage of the environment and invest in Ghana, reiterating the need for leaders to use the resources available to improve the lives of the people.
Source: GNA