|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that the Ministry spends around $15 million each year on renting accommodation for Ghana’s Foreign Service Officers posted abroad. He described the cost as a “major strain on the ministry’s budget” and called for more sustainable, long-term solutions.
As part of efforts to ease the financial burden, the Minister revealed that the government plans to start purchasing at least two properties each year. This initiative, he said, is aimed at safeguarding the long-term welfare of officers serving overseas.
Despite this forward-looking strategy, Mr. Ablakwa expressed deep concern about the current state of some government-owned properties abroad. He noted that many have fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance practices, which not only affect their value but also raise “concerns about safety and the wellbeing of officers.”
The Minister also announced a policy change regarding postings to difficult or high-risk countries. According to him, Foreign Service Officers assigned to such locations will now be rotated every two years. This measure, he explained, is intended to “reduce hardship and promote staff welfare.”
Speaking during a visit to the Ghana High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria, Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed his commitment to improving working conditions for Ghanaian diplomats. He stressed the importance of engaging directly with staff, saying that such interactions allow him to better understand and respond to their challenges.
The visit to Nigeria was part of the Minister’s official tour of Benin, Nigeria, and Togo. The purpose of the tour, he stated, is to strengthen relationships with Ghanaian missions and connect with the Ghanaian diaspora in these countries.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that this hands-on approach will help the Ministry better serve both its staff and citizens abroad.
Email Daily Mail GH: stories@dailymailgh.com or
Whatsapp: +233(0)509928122
