The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Cooperation has launched a new annual award scheme designed to recognize and motivate locally recruited staff serving in Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the globe. The initiative aims to promote productivity and inclusivity among employees who support Ghana’s international operations but are hired within their respective host countries.
Highlighting the inaugural honors, a veteran driver at the Ghanaian Embassy in France, Mr. Oriel Chinthaka Ariyaratna Paiyagala Linyanage, was surprised with a comprehensive award package during a recent carols service. Originally from Sri Lanka, Mr. Linyanage has served the Paris mission for 41 years. As part of his recognition, he has been granted an all-expenses-paid trip to Ghana, marking his first visit to the country he has served for over four decades. His father also served as a driver for the same embassy for many years but never had the opportunity to visit Ghana.
Other long-serving personnel recognized under the new scheme include Mr. Evans Aryeequaye Attoh, who has served as a driver in Rome for 36 years, and Mrs. Caroline Nkrumah-Appiah, a stenographer at the New York mission with 35 years of service. Mr. Philip Twum Nkansah was also honored for his 35-year tenure as an accounts assistant in Rome.
Foreign Affairs officials noted that while home-based Foreign Service staff already benefit from a distinct recognition program, this new scheme ensures that locally recruited colleagues are equally celebrated. The ministry emphasized that the contributions of these dedicated individuals are highly valued by the state and that the awards ceremony will remain a permanent fixture on the ministry’s annual calendar.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
