PROFILE OF GHANA’S NEW HIGH COMMISSIONER
TO AUSTRALIA

H.E. Mr. Paul Yaw Essel born in Ghana in October, 1949 had his basic education at AME Zion Primary School, Kumasi and Kalpohin Middle School, Tamale from 1954 to 1962.  He attended Mfantsipim Secondary School, Cape Coast from 1962 to 1969, where he obtained the GCE ‘O’ Level in 1967, and the GCE ‘A’ Level in 1969.

In the latter year, he proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon to study English, French and Political Science.  In 1972 he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree and went on to teach English, French and Government at Ghanata Secondary School, Dodowa until 1974 when he won Government sponsorship to pursue a French teaching course in Montpellier, France.

On his return to Ghana in 1975, he taught French in his Alma Mater (Mfantsipim Secondary School) until 1976 when he joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he has remained since. 

H.E. Mr. Paul Yaw Essel, in his diplomatic career has served in Brussels (Belgium), Conakry (Guinea), New York (United Nations) and Cotonou (Benin).  He was servicing as Charge d’Affaires a.i. in the latter Mission when, at the pleasure of H.E. President John Evans Atta Mills, he was appointed as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Australia.

Mr. Paul Yaw Essel speaks Twi, Fante, Ga and a smattering of Hausa.  Regarding international languages, he speaks and writes French fluently, in addition to English which is the official language of Ghana.    He is an enthusiast for physical fitness and plays decent social tennis.  He appreciates a wide variety of music and loves to dance occasionally. 

He is married and has five grown up children – two daughters and three sons, the youngest of whom is twenty-four years old. He also has one grandson.

                                                  H.E. Mr. Paul Yaw Essel
                                     HIGH COMMISSIONER TO AUSTRALIA