His Excellency President John Evans Atta Mills has presented two envoys, Mr. Ibrahim Abass, a career diplomat and immediate past Director of Passports, and Professor Samuel M. Quartey, Dean of the Graduate School, University of Education Winneba, with their letters of credence as Ambassadors Designate to, Turkey and the Czech Republic, respectively.

Presenting the letters at the Seat of Government, President Mills said, it is hard work that has gotten them to represent Ghana in the respective countries they have been accredited to, and that there was the need to continue to work harder to place Ghana on a higher pedestal.

“You have worked hard to get to this high point and you must not relent in working even harder when you get to your duty posts” President Atta Mills said.

President Atta Mills assured the envoys of the support of Government to help them succeed in the discharge of their duties, and asked them not to hesitate in making their requests known.

“We will support you every step of the way and I know that God will help you succeed” President Atta Mills added.

Prior to the President speaking, Secretary to the President, Mr. James K. Bebaako-Mensah, asked the envoys to work to deepen existing trade ties between Ghana and the countries they have been accredited to.

According to Mr. Bebaako-Mensah, we are in the age of “diplomacy of business”, hence the need to ensure that trade links are strengthened for the benefit of Ghana.

Mr. Bebaako-Mensah also asked the Ambassadors Designate to ensure that the rights of Ghanaians are upheld and protected.

On behalf of his colleague, Professor Quartey thanked President Atta Mills for the honour done them, and pledged to work to raise higher the flag of Ghana in Prague and Ankara.

Though diplomatic ties have long existed between Ghana and Turkey, Ghana is now establishing a Mission in Ankara, and Mr. Ibrahim Abass is Ghana’s first envoy to Turkey.

In the case of Professor Samuel Quartey, he replaces Mr. Victor Smith, who is currently the Eastern Regional Minister.