In a significant move signaling a dynamic new direction for Ghana’s international engagement, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, today inaugurated a reconstituted Ministerial Advisory Board.
This new board has been tasked with providing crucial strategic guidance as Ghana intensifies its focus on economic diplomacy and navigates an increasingly complex global landscape.
Addressing the new appointees at the inauguration ceremony, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the necessity of this renewed board, stating it aligns with the Civil Service Act and ensures “the continuity of sound strategic guidance and stakeholder consultation” for a foreign policy deeply rooted in evidence and focused on economic advancement.
“As Ghana continues to assert herself on the regional and global stage, the Ministry’s responsibilities are becoming increasingly multifaceted, demanding insightful policy direction, proactive engagement, and institutional adaptability. Your perspectives and guidance, as members of this Board, will serve as a compass in navigating these evolving complexities and will undoubtedly enrich the Ministry’s policy outcomes, enhance accountability, and promote more inclusive governance.” He stated.
The Minister revealed that several key initiatives are already underway to demonstrate a proactive approach to reform and enhanced delivery within the Ministry, announcing the formation of a Passport Reforms Committee which has been charged with overhauling the current system to improve service delivery, reduce processing times, enhance security features, and ensure greater accessibility for all Ghanaians, aligning with international best practices.
He explained that in the bid to demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity, the Ministry has launched a Mobile Passport Application Centre specifically for Hajj pilgrims and announced the rollout of the chip-embedded biometric passport.
“These initiatives represent a clear departure from business-as-usual and demonstrates our resolve to bring about meaningful transformation within the foreign policy establishment.” He elaborated. “Through sustained efforts, the Ministry has also overseen the successful commercial roll-out of the chip-embedded biometric passport, a significant technological leap that ensures enhanced security features, international compliance, and improved data integrity. Ghana is now among the select group of African countries implementing such advanced travel document systems.
To improve access to passport services, we recently commissioned a Mobile Passport Application Centre dedicated to Hajj pilgrims, bringing essential services closer to citizens in need.”
He also added that the Ministry is developing a Comprehensive Foreign Policy Framework to guide Ghana’s international engagements which aims to harmonize bilateral and multilateral objectives, strengthen partnerships, and address pressing global challenges, while also mainstreaming gender, youth, and diaspora considerations.
Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasised that Cabinet has granted approval for the Ministry’s four-year Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development Initiative, following the submission of a Cabinet Memorandum by the Ministry. A move he believes underscores the Ministry’s commitment to prudent fiscal management, long-term strategic planning and the dignified representation of Ghana’s interests on the global stage.
“I am also pleased to inform that Cabinet has granted approval for the Ministry’s four-year Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) Initiative, following the submission of a Cabinet Memorandum by the Ministry. This landmark policy initiative seeks to address the long-standing challenge of inadequate and high cost rented facilities for our Missions abroad by transitioning progressively towards the acquisition and development of permanent state-owned infrastructure.” He said.
He concluded by emphasizing the crucial role of the newly inaugurated Ministerial Advisory Board in guiding and enriching these ambitious initiatives. He assured the board members of the Ministry’s commitment to open dialogue and collaboration as they work together to build a more agile, impactful, and inclusive foreign policy architecture for Ghana.
The new Advisory Board is chaired by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa(Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Other members are Amb. Remes J.Cleland, Hon. Edward Omane Boamah(Minister of Defence), Hon. Cassiel Ato Forson( Minister of Finance), Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu – Adjare(Minister of Trade, Agribusines and Industry), Mr. Simon Madjie(CEO, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre), Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, Amb. Agnes Aggrey – Orleans, Amb. Chris Kpodo, Hon. Rev. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Hon. Queenster Maame Pokua Sawyer, and Amb. Philibert I. K. A Johnson
Story by: Eric Boateng
