The Ministry of Foreign Affairs marked the conclusion of the 2025 administrative year with its annual Nine Lessons and Christmas Carols Service on Monday, December 22. The event gathered ministry leadership, staff, members of the Diplomatic Corps, Parliamentarians, and retired Foreign Service Officers for a session defined by scripture readings and traditional carols focused on themes of hope and peace.
During the ceremony, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, extended his gratitude to the ministry’s workforce for their professional dedication over the past twelve months. He emphasized that the festive season serves as a vital period for reflecting on the values of unity and service while reinforcing the ministry’s commitment to its diplomatic mandate for the upcoming year.
A significant highlight of the service was the formal recognition of four long-serving locally recruited staff members stationed at Ghana’s international missions. The Minister honored Mr. Oriel Chinthaka Ariyaratna Paiyagala Liyanage, Mr. Evans Aryeequaye Attoh, Mr. Philip Twum Nkansah, and Mrs. Caroline Nkrumah-Appiah for their extensive tenures in Paris, Rome, and New York, with their service records spanning between 35 and 41 years.
Mr. Ablakwa underscored the indispensable role that locally recruited staff play in maintaining the operational efficiency of Ghana’s missions abroad. He further announced a new policy directive ensuring that exceptional locally recruited personnel will be honored annually moving forward. The Minister concluded the event by conveying seasonal greetings and well wishes to all staff members of the Foreign Service.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
