Ghanaians in New York have commended Ambassador Ken Koku Kanda, out-going Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations for his commitment in ensuring that Ghana’s interest was served adequately during his four year tenure.
At a send-off party organized for him at the Mission last Friday, attended by various Ghanaians associations, the visiting Ghanaian delegation attending the current 59th UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, family and friends,the staff of the Mission extolled his virtues, during his 39 years in the foreign service.
Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection and leader of the visiting delegation, acknowledged the passion with which Mr. Kanda worked over the years, saying that “he always ensured that Ghana’s interest was served at the UN and in all the assignments that he was given”.
On behalf of the staff, the Deputy Permanent Representative Philbert Johnson mentioned that the out-going Head of Mission had a tempered demeanor which endeared him to his colleagues in the foreign service and the staff in particular.
Mr. Ofori Anor, Executive Secretary of the National Council of Ghanaian Associations in New York(NCOGA) described Mr.Kanda as a father who always opened his doors to the council and was ready to help.
Mr. George Korley, president of the Ghanaian Engineers, Architects Association of America (GEAAA) said the Ambassador was very supportive of the GEAAA since its formation to its present status.
On his part, Dr. Victor Essien, President of the Council of Elders of NCOGA and an accomplished International lawyer who was a college mate of the Ambassador said “We’ve every reason to be proud of the achievements of the Ambassador, considering his hardwork and commitment to Ghana’s interest”.
Pastor Samuel Akuffo, Head of the Apostolic Church recalled the exemplary services rendered by Mr. Kanda to the Ghanaian community and the Diaspora as one that deserved priase.
On his part, Mr. Kwaku Amoo, Executive Secretary of the Council of Ghanaian Associations in New Jersey (COGA) noted that the Ambassador often made sure that Ghana was represented at various functions in the various communities and wished him well in the years ahead.
At her turn, Mrs. Patience Stevens, president of the Ghana United Nations Social Recreational Club praised the out-going envoy for the work he did that the UN.
Dr. Zachary Ayamba, a prominent senior citizen and retired educationist in New Jersey recalled the bonds of friendship that had been developed with the Ambassador, remarking that his services has made all Ghanaians proud.
The representative of the Kwakwaduom Association Incorporated, Dr. Twum Boafo was happy that under his leadership the Ghanaian community has been consolidated and praised the Ambassador’s willingness to serve his people.
The president of the Association of Ghanaian Lawyers in America, Mr. Kwaku Boafo Agyeman added his voice to the commendation of the Ambassador for his exemplary leadership and urged him to continue the relationship with his group even when he returns home.
Responding, Ambassador Kanda thanked the staff, various associations and the Ghanaian community for all the love and friendship shown to him during his tenure.
He tasked the various Ghanaian professionals to do all they can to contribute to the Ghanaian economy, adding that “I take special pride anytime they talk about Ghana, so let us all go back home, let us be part of the solution”.
Source: Permanent Mission of Ghana to the United Nations