President John Mahama has stressed that Ghana can no longer afford to spend over $15 million annually on renting properties abroad for diplomatic purposes.
“This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources, and the reset agenda requires an immediate reversal of this trend,” he declared on Thursday while commissioning the first batch of 18 newly appointed envoys.
The President explained that this concern had led Cabinet to swiftly approve the STRIDE initiative Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing their own properties. He said he had directed the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Finance to move urgently to address the long standing challenge.
According to President Mahama, a transaction advisor has already been appointed, standard designs are being prepared, and funding arrangements are currently under negotiation.
He stressed that the initiative would ensure Ghana’s diplomatic missions are housed in state-owned properties, thereby cutting wasteful expenditure and safeguarding the nation’s dignity on the international stage.
The President further reminded the envoys that the reset agenda is a shared responsibility, requiring close collaboration between missions abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government institutions. He added that its success would also depend on effective engagement with the private sector, civil society, and the Ghanaian diaspora.
“As you assume this noble mandate, remember that your service is not for yourself but for the country and for 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,” he urged.
On behalf of the government and people of Ghana, President Mahama wished the envoys success in their assignments.
“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 added.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, Mr. Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, expressed gratitude to the President for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged that the new envoys would remain committed to the President’s vision and provide selfless leadership wherever they are posted, stressing that they could not afford to fail the people of Ghana.
