President John Dramani Mahama has charged newly appointed Heads of Mission and Ambassadors of the Republic of Ghana to champion economic diplomacy and uphold integrity Assembly they represent the country abroad.
Speaking at their inauguration at the Presidency, the President said their appointments were a mark of confidence in their service and a recognition of their contributions to the nation.
“For the first time in Ghana’s diplomatic practice, we introduced Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) as a structured framework to guide your work. This innovation signals a new era of clarity, accountability and measurable outcomes in our foreign service,” President Mahama said.
He stressed that the envoys must go beyond traditional representation to drive Ghana’s Reset Agenda, the government’s vision to restore hope, rebuild trust and foster prosperity.
“Your role is to extend this agenda abroad by cultivating strategic partnerships, unlocking opportunities and deepening Ghana’s place in the global community,” he noted.
The President reminded the envoys of Ghana’s longstanding foreign policy principles of pan-Africanism, peaceful co-existence, self-determination, and justice in world affairs.
However, he said today’s global realities required more proactive diplomacy. “I therefore expect you to be vanguards of Ghana’s economic diplomacy.
“Let your missions become dynamic hubs of export promotion, investment attraction, tourism marketing, innovation and diaspora mobilisation,” Mahama declared.
On the management of public resources, the President cautioned the envoys to prioritize integrity and efficiency. “The Public Financial Management Act and all relevant regulations must guide your stewardship of public resources.
I urge you to guard the public purse with diligence and ensure that efficiency, service and ethical governance shine through in every mission abroad,” he stated.
President Mahama expressed strong disapproval of Ghana’s current practice of renting diplomatic properties abroad, which costs taxpayers over $15 million annually.
“Ghana cannot continue spending a staggering more than $15 million every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use.
This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources, and the Reset Agenda requires an immediate reversal of this trend,” he said.
To address the challenge, the President announced Cabinet’s approval of the STRIDE Initiative, the Strategic Transition from Rentals to Developing our own Properties.
“From my latest briefing, a transaction advisor has been appointed, standard designs are being developed, and funding mechanisms are already being negotiated,” he revealed. “This decision will ensure that our missions abroad are housed in properties that are owned by the Republic, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding Ghana’s dignity on the international stage.”
Mahama urged the new envoys to work in close coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, other government agencies, the private sector and the Ghanaian diaspora.
“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.
May your tenure bring renewed favour to Ghana, progress to our people and dignity to every Ghanaian both at home and abroad,” the President concluded.
