GRAND FAREWELL TO GHANA?S AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. The Ghana Ambassador to the U.S., Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei who is ending his tour of duty this month had been given chain of gratifying farewells in Washington DC. The first of the succession of farewell activities began on Thursday January 29th, 2009 and was organized by Diplomatic Corps, non-governmental organization led by Africa Society, US Companies, US Government official and agencies. The hall was filled to capacity with attendees including Prof. Ali Mazuri a world renowned historian, who graced the occasion. Representatives from all sectors of official Washington paid glowing tribute to the Ambassadors record in business promotion, bringing Ghana/US relationship to the zenith with two state visits in same year 2008, humanitarian achievements, community organization, cultural exchange, diplomatic acumen among others. The Ambassador was given the distinguish award by US non-governmental award organization led by Africa Society, World Cocoa Foundation and the Whitaker Group. On Friday, January 30th, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corp Ambassador H.E. Roble Olhaye, a veteran Diplomat with twenty year in Washington had a unique luncheon for H.E. Dr. Kwame Bawuah-Edusei. This was also attended by Senior Ambassadors. During his remarks, the dean stated: ?Even though you have had a relatively short tenure in Washington DC you have made your mark, You are one of a kind? Then came the turn of the community on Saturday January 31st, led by Council of Ghanaian Associations (COGA). In a tribute to Dr. Bawuah-Edusei, on Saturday, Mr. Edwin Agbonyitor of Volta Association and Executive of COGA said the relationship of the Association with the Mission blossomed during his tenure of office. He recounted how the Ambassador in humility honored all their invitations and has excelled in his duties as Ghana?s image in the U.S. ?He is an epitome of a zealous leader? he concluded. This concurred by Mr. Kofi Afful, President of COGA. The representative of African American Community Ms. Lyndra Marshall, congratulated the Ambassador for a successful duty tour and solidifying Ghana?s link with diasporans. She said his achievements will never be forgotten. In his speech, Rev. Kennedy Odzafi said Dr. Bawuah Edusei ignited a fire of unity among Ghanaian pastors in the metro area. He hoped that this good work will be strengthened even after the Ambassador has ended his tour. Mr. Charles Dankwah, the Ghanaian Business Council?s representative commended Dr. Bawuah Edusei for his strong business acumen and the fact that he served as a catalyst propelling many into business and investments in Ghana. He observed that the Ambassador?s tenure saw many achievements and believed ending his tour open doors to more opportunities for him to serve Ghana and the community. Other speakers included Brigadier Gen. Oppong Kyekyeku (DMNAA) of the Mission and Rev. Seth Akyea. In another event organized by the ECOWAS Ambassadors on February 10, 2009, Ambassador Bawuah-Edusei was honored at a farewell dinner for his extraordinary input. The function which was held at the Nigerian Embassy attracted almost all the major representatives of the Diplomatic Corps. In his tribute to Ambassador Bawuah-Edusei, the Dean of ECOWAS commended him for his remarkable contributions to the group. He said ?Ambassador Edusei is the driving force behind the ECOWAS Ambassadors, serving on many committees with his rich and potent ideas.? Other tributes were given by the Senegalese Ambassador Dr. Amadou Lanine Ba and the Nigerian Ambassador, H.E. Gen. Oluwade. The Ambassadors gave H.E. Bawuah-Edusei and wife parting gifts. At all the functions, Ambassador Bawuah-Edusei paid glowing tribute to his Team and all who supported him. He attributed his achievement to their concerted efforts, assistance and team work. The road to these achievements was not an easy one he disclosed. ?I have surpassed my goals and I?m leaving happy and with my head up. I thank God for his protection and help and especially my family for being there for me in all my efforts to give back to society, what has been invested in me? He thanked the immediate past President of Ghana, John Agyekum Kufour for his persistence in encouraging him to accept the post. ?I wish to seize this opportunity to thank President John Attah Mills for the smooth transition? he concluded. Over the years, His Excellency Dr. Kwame Bawuah Edusei has worked tirelessly with the U.S. Government and several organizations to enhance Ghana U.S. relations while serving the interests of Ghanaians both at home and in the Diaspora. The period 2006 through 2009 has been especially remarkable time of numerous achievements in promoting Trade and Investments Opportunities, strengthening the Mission?s relationship with the Ghanaian community, and the launching of new initiatives. Some of the Mission?s notable achievements include; Economic : Facilitated Delta Airline Direct flight to New York-Accra Worked closely with Cargill in setting up Cocoa Processing Plant in Tema in 2007 and ADM Cocoa Processing Plant in Kumasi in 2008 Founded the Ghana Business Councils in the Metro Areas across the U.S. Assisted in securing 6th AGOA Forum in Accra in 2007 Initiated a Nationwide Business Promotion Tour during the 50th Anniversary by visiting almost all the U.S. Metro areas in an effort to promote investments in Ghana Assisted in the acceleration of the Millennium Challenge Account?s implementation phase. Facilitated the Re-qualification of Ghana for U.S Exim Bank Facilities Facilitated provision of loans to Ghanaian Companies from U.S. Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). Social : Brainchild of the annual Graduation Ceremony for Ghanaian Graduates Facilitated State Visits to Accra and Washington in the same year 2008, with the then US President a spending three days in Ghana-that was a record Vastly improved the Mission?s Consular Department?s delivery and more than doubled revenue Initiated Health fairs that provided free education and testing to improve quality of life for diasporans. A culmination of the above achievements made the period of his tenure overall prolific.