Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs spends approximately $15 million each year on rental accommodations for Foreign Service Officers stationed around the world. He described this level of expenditure as a significant and unsustainable financial burden on the ministry’s budget.
To address this issue, the Minister announced a strategic plan aimed at reducing this heavy reliance on rented properties. As part of this initiative, the Ministry intends to purchase at least two properties annually for use by Ghanaian diplomats abroad. Mr. Ablakwa explained that this move is a long-term investment designed to ease the financial pressure on the ministry and provide more stable housing solutions for its officers.
He emphasized that acquiring government-owned residences would not only save costs in the long run but would also enhance the safety, comfort, and dignity of Ghana’s representatives overseas. However, the Minister expressed concern about the current condition of many government-owned properties located abroad. He noted that several of these buildings have been poorly maintained, posing risks to the health and wellbeing of the staff who occupy them.
Highlighting the need for a proactive maintenance strategy, Mr. Ablakwa urged the adoption of better asset management practices to protect state properties and ensure the safety of Foreign Service Officers. He stressed that improving maintenance standards is vital for preserving the value of government investments and promoting a more respectable image of Ghana abroad.
In addition, the Minister addressed the challenges faced by diplomats deployed to difficult or high-risk missions. He announced that officers posted to such hardship areas will now serve a maximum of two years instead of longer, traditional terms. This policy shift aims to reduce the psychological and physical strain on personnel, enhance their wellbeing, and boost morale within the Foreign Service.
Mr. Ablakwa made these remarks while visiting the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, as part of his official tour of Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. The purpose of the tour is to strengthen relationships with Ghanaian missions in the sub-region, engage directly with staff and citizens, and reinforce the government’s commitment to improving the working conditions of its diplomats.
In conclusion, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to managing foreign affairs more efficiently by investing in property ownership, improving existing infrastructure, and prioritizing the welfare of Foreign Service Officers. His announcement signals a shift towards more sustainable and responsible foreign policy administration.