Not a single diplomatic asset will be sold on my watch – Ablakwa vows

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured Ghanaians that no state-owned diplomatic property will be sold. This promise stands under the current administration.

Mr. Ablakwa spoke to the Ghanaian community in Benin. He emphasized that all properties of Ghana’s missions were bought with taxpayer money. Therefore, they must remain public assets.

“It won’t happen under President Mahama’s administration,” he stated at the Ghana Mission in Benin. His comments addressed concerns about some diplomatic properties' poor condition.

Many buildings acquired in 1999 have deteriorated since a fire incident in 2019 damaged their electrical meters. Although Ghana owns six properties in Benin, one is abandoned and others are in bad shape.

Mission staff have had to rent alternative housing due to issues with official residences. To tackle these problems, Mr. Ablakwa announced plans for comprehensive renovations and necessary reconstructions of affected properties.

He highlighted the importance of proper asset management. He reminded mission staff to protect the state’s investments. “Ghanaians are counting on you to maintain these properties,” he said.

The Minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to easing financial burdens on ordinary Ghanaians. He noted that President Mahama has approved bills scrapping several taxes.

These include the betting tax, emissions levy, and electronic transfer levy. The COVID-19 recovery levy will be abolished in the next budget as well.

These actions aim to reduce nuisance taxes and support citizens' economic well-being. Mr. Ablakwa outlined plans to enhance Ghana’s international engagement too.

He wants missions to better support Ghanaian businesses abroad. Additionally, he revealed plans for operational offices that can issue passports and other documents.

This would reduce the need for Ghanaians abroad to travel home for basic services. The Minister concluded by reaffirming the NDC government’s commitment to building a prosperous Ghana for all.