By Marilyn King
The Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, has officially launched a book titled: “Framework for Economic Diplomacy and Bilateral Growth: Lessons from Ghana”.
The book launched took place at the Foreign Service Academy, OAU Drive, Tower Hill in Freetown over the weekend.
In his remarks, the Speaker of Parliament congratulated the author of the book, Dr. Francess Virginia Anderson.
“This book will no doubt inspire a new generation of diplomats, policymakers, and changemakers…It will definitely provides the practical tools diplomats would need to excel in the expanded role of facilitators of trade, investment, and sustainable development partnerships”, the Speaker noted. Hon. Thomas further explained that, the author, Dr. Anderson has not only written a book; she has written a future.
Speaker Thomas maintained that, a future in which Sierra Leone’s diplomatic aspiration is provided the opportunities to thrives, a future in which the country’s foreign missions will no longer serve just as symbolic extensions of statehood, but as economic engines, trade platforms, and investment magnets. He confirmed that, the book is a timely and potent reminder that ideas have power and that the pen remains powerful instrument of national transformation.
Statements were made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr. Timothy Musa Kabba, Acting Director General at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Allan Logan, Head of Foreign Service Academy, Ambassador Sullay Daramy. They all expressed thanks and appreciation to Dr. Francess Virginia Anderson for what they referred to as a good work done in respect to the book launched. They assured that it will be used for it intended purposes.
The author, Dr. Francess Virginia Anderson, is the current Sierra Leone Ambassador to Turkiye. In her statement she said, apart from being a public servant and a diplomat, she is an author and a scholar whose passion for Africa’s development, diplomacy, and transformation. “This moment, for me, is deeply personal..It is the culmination of years of academic pursuit, field experience, and unrelenting reflection on what it truly means to serve one’s country, and one’s continent, with purpose and vision”, Dr. Anderson stressed.
She further explained that, Africa’s diplomats must not only be skilled in negotiations and representation, but also in ideas, in data, and in innovation. Dr. Anderson added that, they must be thinkers, writers, and doers, as must of the work in her book launched was not just formed in academic halls but was born from real-world experience, especially during her tenure as Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Ghana.
She said, the book offers recommendations on how regional institutions can be better leveraged to address bilateral trade challenges on the continent. “I argue that organizations such as ECOWAS and the African Union can, and must, play stronger roles in supporting diplomatic mechanisms to resolve trade-related disputes, align policy instruments, and build a more reliable and rules-based intra-African trading environment”, Dr. Anderson maintained.
Four other books where also launched. She said
each of the books carries the imprint of a journey; of research and writing, yes, but also of listening, negotiating, planning, and learning in real diplomatic contexts. She expressed deep gratitude to all who supported her throughout the journey. Some of them she mentioned are: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the Foreign Service Academy, her mentors, colleagues, family, and team.
“You have each played a vital role in shaping the work we celebrate today…I am especially thankful to the Government and people of Ghana, whose warm hospitality and collaborative spirit enabled many of the ideas in these books to be tested, refined, and realized. I also appreciate the contributions of fellow diplomats and scholars who continue to challenge and inspire me to think more critically and act more boldly”.
“To everyone gathered here, your presence is more than ceremonial; it is a powerful affirmation of the importance of intellectual leadership in diplomacy. These books are my humble contribution to that cause. But they are only a beginning. My hope is that they will serve as a resource for young diplomats, researchers, students, policymakers, and all who believe in the power of ideas to drive meaningful change”.
As I conclude, let me say this: Africa stands at a defining moment in history. We are confronting new global realities; from shifting geopolitics to technological disruptions, from trade realignments to demographic transformations. To navigate this future with confidence and clarity, we need not only strong leaders but thoughtful ones; leaders who write, who reflect, who engage. That is the spirit with which I offer these works to you today. Thank you once again for your presence, for your encouragement, and for your commitment to advancing diplomacy that delivers for our people. May God bless you, and may God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone”.
