Ghana's new High Commissioner to Canada, Dr. Margaret Ivy Amoakohene, was officially ushered into office in Canada when he presented her Letters of Commission to The Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency Michaelle Jean at a short but impressive ceremony at La Citadel in Quebec City, the capital of the Canadian Province of Quebec.

The formal documents by which new heads of diplomatic missions are introduced by their Heads of State to Canada's Head of State (Her Majesty the Queen, represented by the Governor General) are called "Letters of Credence" and "Letters of Commission". Letters of Credence accredit ambassadors to Canada. Letters of Commission accredit High Commissioners to Canada from Commonwealth countries that do not recognize Her Majesty the Queen as Head of State. High commissioners from Commonwealth countries that recognize Her Majesty the Queen as Head of State present "Letters of Introduction" to the Prime Minister of Canada followed by a courtesy call to the Governor General.

During discussions with the Governor General after the presentation of credentials, Dr. Amoakohene expressed the gratitude of His Excellency John Agyekum Kufuor to Canada for her generous assistance to Ghana. She seized the opportunity to enumerate Ghana government's on-going programs of political and economic management reforms aimed at:

1) Stabilizing the economy for accelerated growth and development; and

2) Consolidating Ghana's democratic process for a rules-based society.

Dr Amoakohene indicated that in order to ultimately transform Ghana's economy into a medium-developed country by 2020, Government has pursued many far-reaching measures. She said between 2001- 2004, through prudent macro and micro economic policies, inflation was reduced; the cedi stabilized, and Government finances strengthened resulting in increases in foreign exchange reserves. Additionally, there have been major investments made in poverty reduction programs - including education, health and roads - with funds generated from HIPC savings.

The High Commissioner noted that President Kufuor's government has adopted a three-pronged strategy since its second mandate in January, 2005. These are: 1) Human Resource Development; 2) Private Sector Development; and 3) Good Governance, which is the guiding principle of all government policies. These areas, she noted, are inter-related and dependent on access to ICT for which Canada's assistance was most welcome.

On human resource development, Dr Amoakohene informed the Governor General, Her Excellency The Right Honorable Michaëlle Jean that Ghana has embarked upon educational reforms at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels. At the primary level, policies such as the capitation grant, school feeding program, and free transportation for primary and JSS pupils, she explained, are geared towards increased intake and improved educational opportunities for all with the ultimate aim of an educated citizenry. She said statistics have indeed shown increased enrollment since the introduction of the capitation grant in 2005. These measures, she indicated, have strategic long-term advantages for the country.

Dr. Amoakohene recalled attempts at institutionalizing good governance across all sectors of the Ghanaian society. She indicated that democracy was being deepened through the consolidation of democratic structures and institutions, the rule of law, and through combating crime and corruption with Government's policy of zero tolerance for corruption.

The envoy concluded that Ghana appreciates the immense support of its development partners, particularly Canada, for economic and political successes so far achieved. She noted that CIDA, for instance, has been very consistent in providing basic human needs such as water, food security, health and education and emphasized that Canada's Overseas Development Assistance to Ghana was indeed commendable. It is the expectation of Ghana that she will continue to enjoy Canada's sustained commitment and support to its vision of attaining medium-development status through pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals.

The new High Commissioner, resplendent in rich Ghanaian Kente oufit was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, Mr. Amoakohene, two of their children and staff of the Ghana Mission in Ottawa.

PIC: Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Margaret Ivy Amoakohene Ghana High Commissioner to Canada and Her Excellency Michaelle Jean Governor General of Canada