Ghana’s newly appointed Ambassador to the United States, Emmanuel Victor Smith, has urged staff at the Embassy in Washington, D.C., to uphold professionalism and diligence as they work to protect the country’s international image.

Speaking at a welcome reception held at his official residence on Sunday, September 7, Ambassador Smith stressed the importance of conduct that reflects positively on Ghana.

“My goal is to make Ghana look good,” he said. “There is hope, so do not give up.”

He commended the embassy’s leadership for successfully managing recent restructuring and called for continued resilience and unity. “It is essential that we maintain high standards of performance and avoid actions that could tarnish Ghana’s reputation,” he added.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Ambassador Mrs. Jane Gasu Aheto, welcomed him on behalf of the staff, expressing optimism for a strong working relationship built on collaboration and mutual understanding.

She also underlined the need for a united front to address pressing issues while promoting Ghana’s interests in the U.S.

Ambassador Smith, who arrived in Washington with his family, was received warmly by the diplomatic team and has pledged to prioritize teamwork and integrity throughout his tenure.

Recent revelations by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa about corruption at the Washington mission, where an IT officer diverted visa applicants to a private company for personal gain. The minister ordered dismissals, a forensic audit, and restructuring, underscoring the need for integrity at the embassy.