The Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana (CFR-Ghana) , an international affairs think tank, has inducted 17 new members into its fold with a call on them to bring their expertise to bear to impact policy making.
They include Professor Henrietta J.A.N. Mensa-Bonsu, a Professor of Law at the University of Ghana and President of the Ghana Academy of Arts and Sciences (GAAS) and Dr Kofi Kodua Sarpong, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana National Petroleum Commission (GNPC).
Others are Akua Sena Dansua , former Member of Parliament for North Dayi and former Minister of Youth and Sports and Ken Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance with the rest being former ambassadors and other professionals.
The new entrants have swelled the membership of the council to more than 30.
Inaugurated in February this year, the council is an independent, private, non-partisan, and non-profit institution that specialises in Ghana’s foreign policy and international affairs, especially those relating to the West African sub-region and Africa.
Membership of the Council, based on recommendation and approval by the Executive Council, is open to diplomats, lawyers, media practitioners, bankers, finance experts, academicians, traditional leaders, and other professionals as well corporate bodies.
Delivering the Keynote address, Prof. Akua Kuenyehia, former Vice President of the international Criminal Court said Ghanaians have for years contributed to the growth of African through the decolonisation of the continent and conflict resolutions.
He said the calibre of professionals joining the council, was an opportunity for the CFR-Ghana to harness their proficiency to continue causing impactful change in the country and beyond.
Giving a brief account of activities of the council since its inauguration , President of CFR-Ghana, Ambassador Daniel K. Osei said it had created the platform for distinguished guests to engage the Ghanaian public on current international issues.
He announced that the first edition of the Council’s Journal, the Baobab, was ready for publication disclosing that it contained articles on subjects including peace-keeping, sub-regional security, and various aspects of the life of the late Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Kofi Annan.
He said the Council was currently preparing for its second journal, which would contain the council’s position on issues including maritime security along the Gulf of Guinea, the closure of the Nigerian border and its implications for regional integration and Africa Free Trade Area (AFTA), impending 2020 elections in the sub-region and its security implications.
According to the CFR President, the council’s international networking was progressing steadily as it was in the processes of formalising cooperation with international bodies such as the ECOWAS Commission.
He said the help of the new members would be needed to fulfill the council’s objectives.
Ms Awo Quaison Sackey, on behalf of the new members , said it was a privilege to be part of a group of diverse professional who are poised to contribute to the development of the country and Africa.
She assured the council that they would bring their expertise to bear to help the council achieve its aim.
BY JONATHAN DONKOR
