Ghana’s Ambassador to the Vatican, His Excellency James K. Bebaako-Mensah, has become the first African diplomat to present his credentials to the Pope (Francis) at the Vatican.

The ceremony which took place at the Holy City in December last year, places H.E. Bebaako-Mensah on record as first African to have had the honour to present his credentials to Pope Francis himself, instead of the Vatican’s Secretary of State who performs such functions on the pontiff’s behalf.

As Ghana’s first resident Ambassador to the Vatican, H.E. James K. Bebaako-Mensah was appointed as envoy to the Holy City by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama on May 22, 2013.

Welcomed in a tweet, Ghana’s Ambassador also had a closed-door meeting with Vatican Secretary of State, Archbishop Peitro Parolin.

“We congratulate Ghana’s J. K. Bebaako-Mensah on the presentation of his credentials and welcome him as the newest residential Ambassador,” the Secretary of State has said.

The celebrated Ghanaian civil servant with considerable experience had served in various capacities, including (as) Secretary to the President of Ghana, when he was recalled from retirement in January 2009 by the late President John Evans Atta Mills.

He also served as Secretary to the Cabinet during the second term of President Jerry John Rawlings, retiring from the Civil Service in April 2001.