President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, July 18 administered the oaths of allegiance, office and secrecy to 12 new envoys.

The envoys also received their letters of credence to begin work.

President Mahama charged them to use their new roles to get opportunities for Ghana.

“The role of ambassadors has changed from the past,” he noted. “It is not only about champagne drinking and toasting [but] now involves going to the countries of posting and seeking opportunities for your country.”

He added: “It also involves you advising the home country on how to better improve the relation between the motherland and the country of your posting.”

The envoys are Alhaji Abdul Rahman Haruna Atta (Namibia), Samuel Panyin Yalley (India), Mercy Yvonne Debrah-Karikari (Australia), San Nasamu Asibigi (Burkina Faso) and Lieutenant General Peter Augustine Blay (Ivory Coast).

The others are Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo (Algeria), Major General Carl Mordey (Sierra Leone), Alex Asum-Ahensan (Equatorial Guinea) and Dr Kodzo Kpoku Alabo (Russia).

The rest are Benjamin Clement Eghan (Malaysia), Irene Dede Maamah (Senegal) and Professor Samuel Mbrayeh Quartey (Morocco).

On behalf of his colleagues, Prof. Quartey expressed gratitude to the president for appointing them, assuring him that they will ensure good relations between Ghana and the countries of post.