By Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged public servants to draw inspiration from the life of Jesus Christ in delivering selfless and compassionate service to the nation. He described service, humility and compassion as essential tools of effective leadership and diplomacy.
Speaking at the Ministry’s Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in Accra, Mr. Ablakwa said the birth of Christ offers timeless lessons for leadership in a troubled world. The Minister noted that despite a year marked by global tensions and humanitarian crises, Ghana’s foreign policy has remained guided by peace, dialogue and cooperation.
He reiterated that pacifism remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s foreign policy, with the country continuing to advocate peaceful solutions through dialogue while extending humanitarian support to vulnerable populations and pursuing climate initiatives aimed at protecting future generations.
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols brought together management and staff of the Ministry, members of the diplomatic corps, retired ambassadors, and invited guests to reflect on the values of Christmas and the year under review. The service featured scripture readings and choral performances by the Envoys Choir,
with hymns including Hark the Herald Angels Sing, O Holy Night, and Lift Up Your Heads.
Mr Ablakwa, who read the ninth lesson, said the Christmas season offers an opportunity for reflection, renewal and recommitment to the values of love, forgiveness, generosity, and unity, particularly at a time when the world continues to face multiple challenges.
“The true meaning of Christmas lies not merely in celebration, but in our commitment to follow in the footsteps of Christ by sharing what we have with those in need, caring for the sick and the aged, and restoring hope to those who have lost faith in life,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the staff of the Ministry for their cooperation, dedication and patriotism, describing them as central to the Ministry’s successes.
“I am enormously proud of every staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. You have demonstrated commitment and professionalism, and I thank you sincerely for the support you have given me in my first year as Minister,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The Minister also highlighted measures taken to improve staff welfare, including enhanced conditions of service, new foreign service regulations, and the commissioning of six staff buses to ease transportation challenges, particularly for junior staff.
The Foreign Affairs Minister urged diplomatic partners to remain committed to service, peace, and national development, while wishing all present a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous, and harmonious 2026.
“May the warmth of this evening’s fellowship inspire renewed dedication to service. May future commemorations strengthen our shared resolve to promote peace, advance diplomacy and work tirelessly for the unity, progress and prosperity of Ghana, our beloved motherland.” The Minister said.
The ceremony also recognised four long-serving locally recruited staff at Ghana’s missions abroad for their dedication to service. The awardees were:
Mr. Oriel Chinthaka Ariyaratna Paiyagala Liyanage, Representational Driver, Embassy of Ghana, Paris — 41 years of service (since 8th September, 1984)
Mr. Evans Aryeequaye Attoh, Chief Driver, Rome — 36 years of service (since 7th July, 1989)
Mrs. Caroline Nkrumah-Appiah, Stenographer Grade I/Conference, New York — 35 years of service (since 1st November, 1990) and
Mr. Philip Twum Nkansah, Accounts Assistant, Rome — 35 years of service (since 15th December, 1990)
