Ablakwa Discloses $15 Million Annual Rent Burden on Foreign Ministry
Source: Myjoyonline.com
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the Ministry is burdened with an annual rent cost of approximately $15 million for accommodating Ghana’s Foreign Service Officers stationed around the world. He described the recurring expenditure as financially unsustainable and called for immediate reforms to address the issue more effectively.
In response to this challenge, Mr. Ablakwa announced a new initiative aimed at reducing the Ministry’s reliance on rented properties abroad. As part of this strategy, the Ministry plans to acquire at least two properties each year to serve as official residences and offices for diplomatic staff. This move, he explained, would not only lead to long-term cost savings but also ensure better living conditions for Ghanaian diplomats.
The Minister highlighted that owning properties overseas would provide enhanced security and a sense of dignity for Foreign Service Officers representing Ghana. He noted that the current dependency on rented facilities places a financial strain on the Ministry’s budget and does not offer long-term benefits.
However, Mr. Ablakwa also raised concerns about the poor maintenance of several government-owned buildings abroad. He criticized the deteriorating state of many of these properties, noting that some pose potential health and safety hazards to their occupants. To address this, he emphasized the need for a proactive approach to maintaining state-owned assets, stressing that timely repairs and upkeep are essential for preserving the value of these investments and ensuring the welfare of officers.
Additionally, the Minister acknowledged the difficult conditions faced by staff posted to challenging or high-risk locations. He announced a policy shift whereby personnel serving in such environments would now be reposted after two years, instead of being subjected to longer tenures. This adjustment is intended to reduce the psychological and physical toll on affected officers and boost overall morale within the Foreign Service.
Mr. Ablakwa made these statements during his official working visit to the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria. His tour, which also includes stops in Benin and Togo, is focused on strengthening ties with Ghana’s diplomatic missions, engaging with citizens living abroad, and reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving the working and living conditions of its diplomats.
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