Benjamin Kofi Quashie (L), President John Dramani (M) and Professor Naana Jane (R)
Ghana’s newly commissioned High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, has pledged his full support for what he describes as a reset of Ghana’s diplomacy under the new Mahama administration.
In September this year, President John Mahama launched the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Ghana’s Heads of Missions.
The KPIs, which are the first in Ghana’s history, seek to ensure that Heads of Mission operate within a measurable performance framework to assist the President in achieving his Reset Vision for Ghana.
The 500 KPIs include securing scholarships and facilitating exchange programmes with foreign institutions to enhance Ghana’s human capital, as well as driving a minimum 10 per cent annual increase in tourist arrivals to create jobs and boost foreign exchange reserves.
Other indicators include maintaining strict adherence to financial regulations and procurement laws across all missions and strengthening Ghana’s security interests by improving intelligence sharing and facilitating collaboration with foreign security agencies.
Speaking in an interview with Blessed Sogah of Joy News, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, noted, “The novel thing that has never happened in our diplomatic relations and what President Mahama wants is for us to bring in investors.
“But what the President is saying is that the era of diplomats going around begging with cups in hand is over. We now negotiate to ensure that the interests of both countries are aligned.”
Born on May 1, 1982, Benjamin Kofi Quashie, who was commissioned by President John Mahama on October 2, has set another record by becoming the youngest diplomat to serve as Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa.
This, analysts argue, supports the notion that the President’s Reset Vision is also reflected in his choice of young, dynamic leadership.
Benjamin Kofi Quashie will also serve as Ambassador with concurrent accreditation to Eswatini (Swaziland), Mauritius, Mozambique, Lesotho and Seychelles.
In his keynote address during the launch of the new KPIs for Ghana’s envoys, President Mahama noted that the country’s missions had evolved into centers of economic engagement facilitating trade, attracting investment and promoting innovation.
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