The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has unveiled a bold new policy aimed at ending Ghana’s heavy reliance on rented facilities for its missions abroad.
The policy, known as STRIDE – Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development, was approved by Cabinet and is expected to save the country billions of dollars annually.
“In a significant step toward long-term fiscal prudence and enhanced global representation, Cabinet has approved our strategic transition from renting to infrastructure development, STRIDE,” Mr. Ablakwa announced.
“Under this landmark policy, the Ministry will progressively reduce its reliance on rented facilities for our missions abroad by acquiring and developing permanent state-owned properties.”
Currently, Ghana spends an estimated $15 billion annually on rent for diplomatic missions worldwide. The Minister described this as unsustainable.
“This cannot be a judicious use of taxpayer resources. Our image is not enhanced abroad, and it certainly does not do our foreign service any good,” he stressed.
As part of the policy rollout, the Ministry of Finance has appointed a transaction advisor and initiated processes to engage a consortium of banks to fund STRIDE in what government says will be a transparent and competitive manner.
Mr. Ablakwa also revealed that Ghana has received land donations in 23 countries for the construction of chancelleries and residences, thanks to strong bilateral relations.
“These lands will be fully utilised to save costs and drastically reduce the financial burden of STRIDE.
It cannot be prudent to own lands in these countries and at the same time be renting at exorbitant costs for decades,” he said.
“Some governments are even beginning to threaten that they will take their land back if we do not make good use of it. That is why this STRIDE initiative is so timely and must be supported by all.”
The Minister pledged that the government will ensure the initiative is carried out with transparency and urgency, describing STRIDE as a historic shift in Ghana’s diplomatic management.
“The recent agenda demands that we face this, and I pledge to you that we shall do just that,” Mr. Ablakwa concluded.
By: Patrick Asford Boadu
