President John Dramani Mahama has highlighted the need for Ghana to move away from spending over $15 million annually on renting properties abroad for its diplomatic missions, calling the practice unsustainable and a waste of taxpayer resources. Speaking during the commissioning of 18 new high commissioners and ambassadors designate at the Jubilee House in Accra, the President emphasized the government’s commitment to reversing this trend through the Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing our Own Properties (STRIDE) initiative.
“This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources, and the reset agenda requires an immediate reversal of this trend. That is why Cabinet has approved the STRIDE initiative,” President Mahama stated. He reminded the newly appointed envoys that their service was not for personal gain but for country and God, urging them to serve with humility, courage, and excellence.
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The President administered the oath of office and presented the instruments of office to the ambassadors, followed by the signing of the oath book. Victor Emmanuel Smith, Ambassador to Washington, USA, responded on behalf of his colleagues, expressing gratitude for the confidence placed in them by Ghanaians.
The initiative comes amid rising concerns over the cost of maintaining Ghana’s foreign missions. Earlier this year, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that the ministry spends an estimated $15 million annually on rent for Foreign Service Officers stationed abroad, describing the expenditure as an “unsustainable burden.” Mr. Ablakwa announced plans to begin acquiring at least two properties each year for official use overseas, arguing that property ownership would not only cut long-term costs but also enhance security and dignity for staff.
However, Mr. Ablakwa also voiced concern over the poor maintenance of existing government-owned properties abroad, warning that neglect was putting the health and safety of diplomats at risk. The STRIDE initiative aims to address these challenges and ensure a more sustainable approach to Ghana’s diplomatic presence abroad.
