Accra, Oct. 19, GNA - Six new ambassadors and high commissioners on Monday received their letters of credence from President John Evans Atta Mills to represent Ghana in different countries with a reminder to continue to seek the national interest and economic diplomacy in their countries of assignment.

The envoys are Alhaji Issifu Baba Kamara who goes to Nigeria, Mr Lee Ocran (South Africa); Dr Richard Benjamin Turkson (Canada), Mr Samuel Akyianu (Serbia) and Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum, (United States of America) and Aana Ennin (Republic of Ireland).

They took the official oath, oath of allegiance and the oath of secrecy administered by President Mills.

He reminded them that as ambassadors and high commissioners, they were parents for all Ghanaians irrespective of their affiliations. He congratulated them on their appointment saying that they had the right antecedent and urged them to acquit themselves creditably in their assignment.

The President asked for God's blessings for them to be fruitful in their assignment and assured them of the necessary government support and encouragement.

Vice President John Dramani Mahama said Africa was the next frontier of investment in the world and Ghana was emerging as a leader for investment on the continent.

He asked the envoys to master the trends in economic diplomacy to position Ghana at a preferred investment destination. The Vice President observed that there had been complaints that some of Ghana's foreign missions were not paying the due attention to Ghana's nationals in foreign countries.

He therefore called on the envoys to empathise with Ghanaians over their worries to give them a therapeutic effect over their worries. "We need to take a look at this, and when we go there as representatives, we should be able to empathise with them," Mr Mahama said. Mr James Victor Gbeho, Presidential Adviser on Foreign Policy, advised the envoys to be mindful of people with ulterior motives when brokering deals for Ghana.

He re-emphasised the national interest and economic diplomacy to woo more investors into Ghana and create market for Ghanaian goods. Mr Gbeho expressed the hope that the envoys would bring greater laurels to Ghana and make it a more favoured country in the comity of nations. Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs, told the envoys to exhibit the highest sense of honesty, incorruptibility and integrity. In reference to the peaceful nature of President Mills, Alhaji Mumuni urged the envoys to exhibit the "asomdwoe spirit" and pursue a peace-centred vision in implementing the national foreign policy.

"Whatever is done should bring tangible benefits to attract foreign direct investment and to enable Ghana to produce a strong economy," he said. Mr Daniel Ohene Agyekum, on behalf of the envoys, expressed appreciation to the President for the confidence reposed in them and pledged to live up to the task. 19 Oct. 09