The Man, Paul King Aryene! Former Ambassador of Ghana to Germany.

Opinion

“Sir your people complain, you do not honor most invitations”, he answered "it is very expensive for the state when the ambassador travel. You can therefore not expect seeing me at funerals and parties at the expense of the state, there are more urgent needs to attend to.

“Sir what legacy do you intend leaving after your duty”, he answered by saying “lets people judge me by my work.” I went on to ask; “Sir! Do you know most people know the responsibility of an ambassador?” His Excellency felt provoked and fought back, if you know why ask then.

The man is straight, tolerates no nonsense and has no room for pampering; this most often is interpreted as been arrogant.

I must however admit knowing less about his private life, he was a former Director of Passports at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana.

Whilst in Germany his favorite Ghanaian community was Stuttgart, he felt they were more discipline, and result oriented. The less was Hamburg, which is home to probable the largest Ghanaian community in Germany (chaotic with the highest misplaced priorities).

Education:
The man did all he could to help undertake educational projects, after noticing standard of education among African kids, especially those born here in Germany was in shambles. He held meetings with his ambassadorial colleagues to help address the issues. He donated money towards the AYE AWARDS; agree to be a patron to the project.

He is however, of the view that African communities in Germany must not wait for others to come to their aid.. They must do more when it comes to education and health.

“A lost sheep needs to be shown the way” The embassies in Berlin, especially the influential countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Angola, Sudan, Ethiopia & Kenya can be useful and helpful in promoting educational projects.

Party Politics:
I am sure he has a hell fighting members of the NDC members in Germany. H.E. Paul King Aryene was posted here on the ticket of the NDC Government, then under the leadership of the late President Prof. Attah Mills. Ghanaians are still suffering from the Winner Take All Syndrome. He decided to serve Ghanaians and not a section of the community.


The NDC guys were not amused.

I am convinced; at this point of our political dispensation it is better to appoint career diplomats to ambassadorial positions than political appointees. The latter group lacks experience and bias to their political ancestry.

Bilateral Trade -/ Ghana-Germany & Tourism:
These are areas I would have love to access our Ambassador, but unfortunately there is no data for me to access. The volume of trade between both countries and how beneficial is it to Ghana. Others might want me to mention AID. Sorry I don’t believe in AID.

In Germany there is nothing for free! Africans should stop thinking they get freebies from the WEST. It is give and take, makes our leaders lazy and more corrupt.

A delegate from Hamburg asked “Sir you seem to be very humble” I am paid to work for you, but not to boss over you.

I guess our readers are wondering if the man was flawless all these years. The answer is NO.

Visas & Passports Palaver:
In my judgment the above situation has escalated, initially the passports has to be done in Spain and other European countries. Today, the passports are made and sign in Berlin, so why the delay?

The visa gives me more headache, more especially the EXPRESS VISA, people travel to Berlin, pay for express services and yet come home without the visa.The following could be done to help address the issue:

1.       Public Awareness:
How long it takes to secure a normal passport and express passports.
How long it takes to secure a normal visa and an express visa.

2.       Telephone services:
I have been at the embassy on several occasion and observed the ladies answering calls were over burden. More personal to handle calls. 

3.       More personal:
With our brothers and sisters from Spain and Italy joining us, our population has doubled. The compulsory ID Cards also need extra time.
More personal at least at the consular section, to take care of the extra services.

Fact is:
H.E Madame Fatoumata Siré Diakité, former ambassador of Mali to Germany, H.E Abdul Rimdap, former ambassador of Nigeria to Germany and H.E Paul King Aryene, former ambassador of Ghana to Germany, are my best African ambassadors to Germany.


I asked His Excellency several questions! He asked only one “ what have you also done for your people” I felt very uncomfortable & defeated. After a couple weeks I called and said let’s do something about the youth and education.

We wish His Excellency all the best.

God Bless Germany! God Bless Africa

Desmond John Beddy