President John Dramani Mahama has said the Cabinet has approved a new policy, the Strategic Transition from Rental to Development of Properties, to ensure that Ghana’s missions abroad operate from state-owned facilities instead of rented premises. The President explained that under the policy, a transaction advisor has already been appointed and that standard developments are being designed, and funding mechanisms are under negotiation. He has therefore directed the ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs to urgently tackle the huge costs of renting properties for Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Speaking at the swearing in of 18 newly appointed Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Protocol officials at the Jubilee House in Accra on Thursday [Sept 4], President Mahama said Ghana spends over $15 million every year on rent for missions abroad, a practice he described as unsustainable and wasteful. “Ghana cannot continue spending 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 is an immediate reversal of this trend,” he said.
He stressed that the plan will not only reduce unnecessary expenditure but also project Ghana’s image more positively on the international stage. “This shift will ensure that our missions abroad are housed in proper homes owned by the republic, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding Ghana’s dignity on the international stage,” he added.
Source: Jemima Okang Addae
