By Enock Akonnor (Managing Editor)
In a heartfelt tribute to Ghana’s diplomatic legacy, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Chief of Staff honoured 101-year-old Ambassador Richard Maximillian Akwei with a special lifetime achievement award at the Ministry’s annual Ambassadors’ Dinner held last Friday night.
Ambassador Akwei, described as a legend in Ghana’s diplomatic history, was celebrated for his pioneering role in the country’s foreign service. He is the last surviving member of the original ten Ghanaian Foreign Service Officers, having joined the then Gold Coast Foreign Service Corps in 1956—before Ghana’s independence.
“It was a profound honour for the Chief of Staff and I to present a special award to the 101-year-old Ambassador Richard Maximillian Akwei,” Hon. Ablakwa shared on his official Facebook page. “I am really humbled and eternally thankful to Ambassador Akwei for honouring my invitation and accepting this lifetime achievement award.”
Ambassador Akwei’s illustrious career spanned several high-profile diplomatic postings.
He served as Ghana’s first Ambassador to Mexico (1964–1965), Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and concurrently as Ambassador to Switzerland (1965–1967), Permanent Representative to the UN in New York (1967–1972), and Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (1972–1976). He later returned home to serve as Chief Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1976 to 1978.
The event, which gathered distinguished members of Ghana’s diplomatic community, served not only as a celebration of Ambassador Akwei’s contributions but also as a moment of reflection on the foundations laid by the country’s early diplomats.
“We remain deeply grateful to Ambassador Akwei and his generation for the enduring foundation, and the inspiration they offer current servants spearheading Ghana’s foreign policy,” the Minister noted. “We owe our nation’s progress to their incredible sacrifices.”
The award presentation was a poignant reminder of the importance of honouring national heroes whose quiet dedication helped shape Ghana’s global identity.
Source; www.leakyghana.com
Enock Akonnor is an experienced Ghanaian journalist, based in Kumasi and currently serves as the CEO and Managing Editor of www.leakyghana.com.
With a wealth of expertise built over many years in the media industry, he has earned a solid reputation as one of Ghana’s most sought-after journalists.
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✉️ enockakonnor2013@gmail.com
