Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns over Ghana’s rising expenditure on rent for its foreign missions, revealing that the country spends approximately $15 million annually on accommodation for officials abroad.
According to him, the current practice of renting properties for Ghana’s 71 diplomatic missions around the world is financially unsustainable and must be reviewed urgently.
Speaking during an official visit to Nigeria as part of a property assessment tour, Mr. Ablakwa and his team inspected several mission buildings, including the Ghana House in Abuja, which was built and commissioned in 1991 but is now in a state of disrepair.
The minister noted that most diplomatic staff abroad are lodged in rented properties, which significantly contributes to the country’s rising foreign expenditure.
“We are spending millions every year on rent. This is not sustainable. It makes no sense for us to keep enriching landlords abroad while our own properties deteriorate,” he said.
To address this challenge, the minister announced that the government has resolved to acquire permanent properties for Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
“Going forward, the Government of Ghana will prioritize the acquisition of state-owned properties for our missions. It’s time to make strategic investments rather than temporary fixes,” he added.
The move is part of broader efforts by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of Ghana’s foreign service infrastructure.
