In a historic event held at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., four distinguished individuals, namely, Madam Yvonne McCowin, Mr. Kwame Boakye Acheampong, Mr. Kennedy Asafo-Adjei and Professor Derek Asiedu-Akrofi were officially commissioned as Honorary Consuls to represent Ghana in the United States of America.
The ceremony, held at the Embassy’s auditorium, was presided over by Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency (H.E.) Hajia Alima Mahama. The event, which happened on November 18, 2024, aimed at bolstering Ghana’s diplomatic and community representation across key regions of the United States of America.
It was also a significant moment for the Ghanaian diaspora who were represented by Ghanaian community members. H.E. Ambassador Alima Mahama emphasized the important role played by Honorary Consuls’, describing them as a “critical bridge” between Ghana and its nationals abroad, as well as valuable contributors to strengthening Ghana’s relations with the United States of America.
The ceremony began with opening remarks from the Ambassador who highlighted the responsibilities of Honorary Consuls in advancing Ghana’s diplomatic, economic, tourism, and cultural interests. She explained that the Honorary Consuls would act as representatives in their respective regions, providing assistance to Ghanaians and promoting the country’s values and trade and investment opportunities.
Ambassador Alima Mahama then read the letters of commission for each of the new Honorary Consuls and formally presented them with the Seal of Office, symbolizing their authority to act on behalf of Ghana in their designated jurisdictions.
Following this, the new Consuls took the “Oath of Secrecy” and the “Oath of Office”, pledging to uphold the highest standards of confidentiality and loyalty in their service to Ghana. These oaths, administered by the Ambassador, reinforced the weight and integrity of their new positions. Each Honorary Consul brings a wealth of experience and expertise to their new roles:
Madam Yvonne McCowin
Madam Yvonne McCowin is a prominent leader in the corporate sector and the Ghanaian community in Atlanta. Her professional background includes significant roles at the International Parking Institute (IPI) and Duncan Solutions, along with her work as a licensed real estate agent with VistaRay USA, Inc.
In the Ghanaian community, Madam Yvonne is highly regarded for her leadership as the immediate past President of the Ghana Council of Georgia, an organization that unites seventeen Ghanaian associations in the Atlanta area. Furthermore, she is an active member of the Ghanaian Women’s Association of Georgia (GWAG) and The African Women’s Public Advocacy Committee (TAWPAC).
Mr. Kwame Boakye Acheampong
Mr. Kwame Boakye Acheampong is a policy analyst and management consultant with over thirty-one years in management consulting and business development. He has worked and continues to work with United States companies that engage and explore business opportunities in Ghana, the Caribbean and Mexico.
He is working with a US Consulting firm, Crossborder to attract manufacturing industries scattered in the maquiladoras of US-Mexico border to support Ghana’s One District One Factory program. He is currently Managing Partner of ENEVAL, LLC, a Houston-based environmental consulting company that provides consulting services for landfill design and management, environmental assessment and audit as well as solid and hazardous waste management.
ENEVAL, LLC periodically bids projects from Houston Metro, Port of Houston Authority, Flood Control District of Harris County, City of Houston and Harris County Government. He is also founder and President & CEO of AYEBO Ghana Limited, a wholly-owned Ghanaian registered company that do business in Ghana. Ayebo focuses on supply of tools and equipment for upstream and downstream energy firms in Ghana.
Mr. Kennedy Asafo-Adjei
Mr. Kennedy Asafo-Adjei is a Ghanaian American who migrated to the United States of America in the early 90s. He is a public servant, businessman, a media practitioner, an ardent community organizer, and a Human rights advocate. Mr. Asafo-Adjei holds a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Southern New Hampshire University.
He also holds an Associate of Applied Business Degree in Business Management, Associate of Applied Science – Healthcare Administration from Eastern Gateway Community College. Professionally, he has worked with the Massachusetts Department of Developmental service for 28 years. He is also proud to have served on the Worcester Citizens Advising Board and the Worcester Immigrant and Refugee’s Coalition and member of Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants for three terms.
Professor Derek Asiedu-Akrofi
Professor Derek Asiedu-Akrofi is a lawyer with over thirty years of extensive experience in International Law and Business, Financial Fraud, and Immigration. His experience includes advising various companies and governments in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, the Former Soviet Republics and Asia. Professor Asiedu-Akrofi also is a Non-Executive Director of London Petroleum and Chemical PLC, and was Professor of Law and Course Director at the International Law Institute in Washington D.C.
He is a Geoffrey Wilson Fellow at University of Warwick School of Law and the Warwick Business School in the United Kingdom. He is also a Legal Counsel at the International Monetary Fund in Washington D.C.; a Law Professor at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, Boston University School of Law, Loyola Law School, Los Angeles and the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, China.
After the official commissioning, the newly inducted Honorary Consuls were introduced to members of the Ghanaian diaspora present at the event. The Embassy reiterated its commitment to providing them with ongoing support to succeed in their new role.
In her closing remarks, Ambassador Alima Mahama announced that the Honorary Consuls would soon participate in an orientation program to be organized by the embassy. This program will help equip them with the tools and knowledge needed to effectively carry out their responsibilities, including providing consular services, promoting Ghanaian culture, and supporting economic development initiatives.
The appointment of the Honorary Consuls marks a strategic move by the Ghanaian government to enhance its engagement with the diaspora and strengthen its representation in key U.S. cities. The Honorary Consuls will serve as first points of contact for Ghanaians and foreign nationals seeking to connect with Ghana, ensuring that the country’s interests are well-represented at the local level.
This initiative aligns with Ghana’s broader vision of fostering strong international partnerships and deepening ties with its citizens abroad. By appointing the Honorary Consuls in major U.S. cities, the Embassy seeks to create a network of advocates who can advance Ghana’s diplomatic, cultural, and economic interests.
The ceremony was a moment of pride for the Ghanaian community, reflecting the Embassy’s commitment to serving its people and showcasing Ghana’s values on the global stage.
Written by Oral Ofori
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
