We have worked tirelessly to raise Ghana’s global profile – Akufo-Addo

President Akufo-Addo has stated that his administration has worked tirelessly to raise Ghana’s global profile and strengthen the nation’s international partnerships over the last eight years since he assumed office.

Addressing attendees of a ceremony to commission the rehabilitation of A.L. Adu Lodge in Accra on Monday, 23 December 2024, President Akufo-Addo said he considers the election of his Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations as a pivotal part of the many diplomatic successes of his administration

“This occasion [the commission of the A.L. Adu Lodge] is particularly meaningful to me because it is one of the final diplomatic milestones of my tenure as president. Over the past 8 years, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen Ghana’s international partnerships and to raise our nation’s global profile.

“Amongst our many achievements, one that stands out is the election of honor Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the next Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations,” President Akufo-Addo remarked.

“Her leadership builds on the proud legacy of A.L. Adu, who indeed served as the first deputy Secretary General of the Commonwealth secretariat, a legacy that Ghana continues to cherish,” President Akufo-Addo further remarked.

Gateway to possibilities
Touching the renovated A.L. Adu Lodge, President Akufo-Addo noted that the facility “is a gateway to possibilities and “it has been designed to accommodate Ghanaian and foreign diplomats alike and to host fora, conferences, and dialogues that can shape the future of Ghana and indeed of the world.”

“With its 15 presidential suites, advanced meeting facilities, and cutting-edge translation services, it stands as a beacon of Ghana’s commitment to fostering collaboration and addressing global challenges.

“Beyond the bricks and mortar, this lodge carries a deeper significance. It is situated in an area rich in history and meaning. Nearby is the Osu Christiansburg Castle, which serves as the fulcrum of Ghana’s colonial struggle and later for a time, as the seat of national administration,” Akufo-Addo said.

“Adjacent are landmarks like the Nationalism Park where the events of the 28 February crossroads shooting of 1948 that fuelled our march towards independence are captured. The proposed Heros Park where historic Ghanaian personalities are to be immortalized and final resting places of two of our late leaders, Kwame Nkrumah and John Evans Atta-Mills,” the President added.

“Standing here, I feel the presence of history all around us, and it reminds me, and I hope all of us, that the sacrifices of those who came before us demand that we do our utmost to leave a brighter Ghana for the next generation. This diplomatic lodge is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with vision and purpose, “Akufo-Addo further noted.

Appreciation
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Secretary General-elect of the Commonwealth of Nations, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, indicated that the renovated A.L. Adu Lodge will serve as a reliable venue for the conduct of diplomatic activities in Ghana.

She expressed her appreciation to all the foreign service staff, contractors, engineers, artisans, and consultants who played pivotal roles during the rebuilding of the A.L. Adu Lodge. Ms Botchwey said their dedication and commitment resulted in the timely completion of the project.

Source: asaaseradio