Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly declared that under his stewardship, no Ghanaian diplomatic property will be sold to individuals or private entities, reinforcing his commitment to safeguarding the nation’s assets abroad.
Speaking during an official visit to Benin, where he engaged with the Ghanaian community and inspected state-owned properties, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that all diplomatic assets belong to the people of Ghana and must be preserved for future generations.
“Ghanaian missions and their properties are state assets—acquired with taxpayers’ money. They are not for sale, and I can assure you, under President Mahama’s administration, no such transaction will ever be entertained,” he said while addressing staff at Ghana’s mission in Benin.
The Minister’s visit revealed that several properties, including those acquired in 1999, have suffered years of neglect. One property, in particular, has been abandoned since 2019 following a fire outbreak that damaged its electricity meter. Others, though newly acquired, are already showing signs of structural defects. This has compelled some mission staff to rent accommodation at high costs, placing unnecessary financial strain on the state.
Out of the six diplomatic properties Ghana owns in Benin, only one remains completely uninhabited.
Minister Ablakwa charged staff and those in charge of managing foreign assets to remain vigilant and committed to protecting these investments. “Ghanaians are counting on you to safeguard what belongs to them,” he stated.
To address the issue, he announced comprehensive plans for renovation and, where necessary, reconstruction of the affected buildings to ensure they meet habitable and operational standards.
He further assured the Ghanaian community that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is focused on improving the lives of all citizens—both at home and abroad. As part of broader economic relief efforts, he confirmed the government’s decision to abolish a number of unpopular levies.
“President Mahama has already signed off on the removal of the betting tax, the emissions levy, and the electronic transfer levy. And I can confidently say that in the next budget, the COVID-19 Recovery Levy will also be scrapped,” Mr. Ablakwa disclosed.
On strengthening Ghana’s global footprint, the Minister encouraged the mission to take proactive steps in supporting Ghanaian businesses operating in Benin, helping them to thrive and contribute to the country’s economic development.
In addition, to ease the burden on Ghanaians living abroad, Mr. Ablakwa revealed plans to establish satellite consular offices to make services such as passport acquisition and legal documentation more accessible—eliminating the need for citizens to travel back home for basic services.
“Our mission must not only represent Ghana diplomatically but must also function as a hub of support for our people and businesses in the diaspora,” he concluded.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
