We cannot continue to spend $15m annually on rent - President tasks new envoys to reverse trend
Ghana cannot continue spending a staggering $15 million or more every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use.
“I have tasked the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance to work urgently to resolve this long-standing challenge,” President John Dramani Mahama has said.
As part of the measures, Cabinet has also approved an initiative dubbed STRIDE - strategic transition from rental to developing properties.
A transaction advisor had also been appointed, standard designs developed, while funding mechanisms were already being negotiated.
The President was speaking during the swearing-in of 18 High Commissioners and Ambassadors at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday.
The envoys are the High Commissioner to the UK, Sabah Zita Benson; Ambassador to the US, Victor Emmanuel Smith; Ambassador to France, Mavis Ama Frimpong; High Commissioner to Nigeria, Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed, and Ambassador to Russia, Dr Koma-Steem Jehu Appiah.
Others are the Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu; Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, Alhaji Hammed Rashid Tunde Ali; Ambassador to Germany, Professor Ohene Adjei; Ambassador to Turkey, Alhaji Abdul Nasiru-Deen; Ambassador to Denmark, Margaret Miewien Chebere; Ambassador to Equatorial Guinea, Labik Joseph Yaani, and Ambassador to Brazil, Nii Amasah Namoale.
The rest are the High Commissioner to India, Professor Kwasi Obiri-Danso; Ambassador to the UN in New York, Ambassador Samuel Yao Kumah, and Ambassador to Liberia, Godwin Baletum Amonzem.
Also sworn in were Ambassador in situ and Director of State Protocol, Aikins Abrokwa; Ambassador in situ and Chief of Protocol, Gustav Kwaku Sefe Dovlo, and Ambassador-at-Large and Deputy Director-General of the Research Department, Patience Kokui Gameli-Kwame.
Advice
The President advised the envoys to be agile and purposeful drivers of Ghana’s economic interests on the global stage.
“For the first time in Ghana's diplomatic practice, we launched key performance indicators (KPIs) as a structured framework to guide your work, and this innovation signals a new era of clarity, accountability, and measurable outcomes in our foreign service.
“These KPIs are not mere bureaucratic tools, but instruments to ensure that every action taken by our missions abroad contributes directly to advancing Ghana's national priorities,” he said.
The President pledged to monitor progress under the framework as part of the government’s commitment to results-oriented diplomacy.
President Mahama also charged the diplomats to extend the government’s “Research Agenda” programme internationally.
“Your role is to extend this agenda abroad by cultivating strategic partnerships, unlocking opportunities, and deepening Ghana's place in the global community,” he said.
The President said they must be vanguards of Ghana's economic diplomacy, adding, “Let your missions become dynamic hubs of export promotion, investment attraction, tourism marketing, innovative change, and diaspora mobilisation.
“Carry Ghana's story to the world, not just as a beacon of democracy and stability, but also as a land of opportunity, open for business,” he added.
Recognition
President Mahama further explained that their appointment was a mark of confidence reposed in them, and a recognition of their years of dedicated service, sterling achievements, and exemplary contributions both in the public and private sectors.
“Integrity must be your watchword.
The Public Financial Management Act and all relevant regulations must guide your stewardship of public resources that are put in your care.
“As you assume this noble mandate, remember that your service is not for yourself, but for country and God.
Serve with humility, courage and excellence.
“You carry with you the hopes of a nation.
May your service strengthen Ghana's standing, advance our interests, and deepen the dividends of democracy and development for our people,” he said.
