The President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on Thursday inaugurated the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration in Accra.
Located at Shiashie in the Accra Metropolitan District, the fully equipped three-storey complex would provide Ghanaian foreign service personnel and diplomats from other countries with the requisite professional training.
The facility boasts of five lecture halls, a waiting room, a Very Important Personality (VIP) waiting room, a cafeteria, a kitchen, a library, a multi-purpose lecture hall, a language lab, a computer lab, a surveillance office, a staff office, a seminar hall, and a 100-seater auditorium.
The construction of the Institute was funded by a credit facility of $5 million from the Indian government.
During the short and colourful event on Thursday, President Akuffo-Addo said the completion of the FSI marked an important milestone in Ghana’s efforts to institutionalise a strong foundation for its diplomatic service.
“The Establishment of the FSI reflects our recognition of the crucial role diplomacy plays in maintaining regional, continental stability and promoting peaceful resolutions to conflicts,” he said.
By nurturing a culture of continuance of learning and adaption, he said, the FSI could produce a crop of diplomats who will not only be skilled negotiators, but also empathetic listeners, problem solvers and ambassadors of Ghana’s values.
He further stated that the world was on a brink of a new global order shaped by democrats and cooperative cultures underlined by a friendly partnership with the potential to contribute to human development.
“Diplomats are at the forefront of shaping this new world order, and it is my expectation that at this institution, some great talents will be nurtured and positioned to help Ghana stay deeply connected to this emerging new world order,” the President said.
He urged the FSI to actively prioritise and support initiatives that promote cultural exchanges to showcase Ghana’s rich cultural heritage to the rest of the world while strengthening cultural ties.
The Minister of the MFARI, Ms Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, said the facility was a testament to Ghana’s quest for excellence in diplomacy and international relations.
“With the establishment of this Institute, we reinforce our commitment to equipping our diplomats with the necessary knowledge, skills, and training to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development,” she explained.
She added that the FSI would be crucial in empowering Ghanaian diplomats to navigate global challenges, build alliances, and foster mutual understanding between Ghana and the world.
She underscored the need to be united to strengthen Ghana’s position on the global stage, championing democracy, human rights, and economic cooperation for a prosperous, interconnected, and peaceful future.
“I reckon that through this Institute, great men and women shall be nurtured for Ghana and the international community,” she emphasised.
BY JESSEL LARTEY THERSON-COFIE
