Ghana’s Ambassador to Greece, Her Excellency Evelyn Anita Stokes-Hayford, resident in Italy, has presented her Credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic, His Excellency Karolos Papoulias, in Athens.

A day before the presentation she presented copies of her Letters of Credence to Ambassador Catherine Boura, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Greece. The Ghanaian Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Simon Atieku, First Secretary in charge of Political and Economic Affairs at the Embassy of Ghana in Rome and was received by His Excellency Karolos Papoulias upon arrival at the Presidential Palace.

At the ceremony, Ambassador Mrs. Stokes-Hayford extended greetings from the President of Ghana, His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the Government and people of Ghana to the President of the Hellenic Republic. She also acknowledged the existing good political relations between Ghana and Greece and pledged that she will translate those relations into strong economic ties between the two countries.

In response, President Papoulias acknowledged the strong partnership between Ghana and Greece and promised to do all he could to further strengthen the relations. He pledged his country’s support to Ghana’s further development. President Papoulias also extended warm greetings to His Excellency Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the Government and people of Ghana.

The Ambassador later had a short discussion with the Greek President and also met some members of his cabinet.

Whilst in Athens, the Ambassador took the opportunity to meet officials of the Greek Foreign Ministry, in particular, Ambassador George Christopi, Head of Department for Africa, the President of Greece Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Christos Lambridis, the President of the Federation of Greek Industries, Mr. Ioannis Patsiavos and the President of the Hellenic-African Chamber of Commerce and Development, Dr. Sotiris Mousouris. Discussions centered on how best Ghana can be portrayed or introduced to Greek investors. She also met the Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Mr. Sverre Stub.

The Honourable Ghanaian Stateswoman also paid a courtesy call on the Honourary Consul-General of Ghana in Greece, Capt. Panagiotis Tsakos at the Consulate in Athens, had discussions with him and his staff on matters of mutual interest and how best to promote Ghana in Greece.

- Reggie Tagoe