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Opinions on Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Columnist: Kristie baiden
2020-10-07
Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Mr. Edward Boateng
No man is a saint, but if a man does a commendable deed, be sure to pay him his fair share.
As a people, we are quick to criticize and condemn our leaders, and we blatantly refuse to acknowledge their good works. You don’t always have to agree with a person, but look at the fruits (works) they are producing or trying to produce and make an informed and balanced impression of that person.
The Ghanaian Ambassador to China, Mr. Edward Boateng, deserves due recognition for the commendable work he has done and continues to do for the Ghanaian diaspora in China.
During my 5-year stay in China, this is the first time that I have seen an ambassador come down to actively interact with students and participate in activities. Yes, he is designated to be a father figure to Ghanaians in China and to represent the country in a positive way. He chose the role of responsible and not negligent parent.
I met the ambassador in Wuhan. I had no idea who it was. He is a gentle and modest man. You wouldn’t know who the ambassador is if they didn’t tell you. It has no pomposity or “air” in it. A humble and kind companion willing to render service when needed. I met him again in Beijing at a Duapa event where he was one of the speakers. From his speech, it could be said that he is a man with a purpose. A man with drive. A man who cares about youth. A man is interested in equipping the next generation of leaders to take the country and the world to higher levels.
During the start of Covid-19, he helped organize a series of online events to engage students by inviting prominent speakers who addressed various topics ranging from entrepreneurship to nation-building. He duly participated in all the events and even invited some of his fellow ambassadors. I am not aware of the exploits of the ambassadors of other African centuries here in China, but if everyone had that drive and dedication, I believe that Africa is well represented, and over time, their efforts will go a long way towards creating a positive image of Africa in China.
I conclude with this statement from Nkrumah, which aptly summarizes my opinion of Ambassador Boateng or at least a glimpse of the man that I hope it is because of the fruits I have seen him bear.
“For this, Africa needs a new type of citizen, a dedicated, modest, honest and informed man. A man immerses himself in the service of the nation and humanity. A man who hates greed and hates vanity. A new type of man whose humility is his strength and whose integrity is his greatness? Kwame Nkrumah, Africa must unite.
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