The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, 22nd December 2025, held its annual Nine Lessons and Christmas Carols Service as part of activities marking the end of the year. It brought together management and staff of the Ministry, as well as representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Members of Parliament, retired Foreign Service Officers in an atmosphere of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration. Scripture readings and traditional Christmas carols highlighted the message of hope, peace and goodwill.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed appreciation to the Staff of the Ministry for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. He noted that the Christmas season provides an opportunity to reflect on shared values of unity, service and compassion, while renewing commitment to the Ministry’s mandate in the year ahead.
As part of the service, the Honourable Minister honoured Messrs. Oriel Chinthaka Ariyaratna Paiyagala Liyanage, Evans Aryeequaye Attoh, Philip Twum Nkansah and Mrs. Caroline Nkrumah-Appiah, the longest-serving Locally Recruited Staff at Ghana’s Missions in Paris, Rome and New York. Their years of dedicated service span from 35 to 41 years. The Minister acknowledged the critical role Locally Recruited Staff play in the effective functioning of Ghana’s diplomatic Missions and stated that going forward, deserving Locally Recruited Staff would be honoured every year.
He used the opportunity to convey warmest compliments of the season to the staff of the Ministry.
