The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reiterated that no Ghanaian diplomatic property will be sold to any individual or group under his watch.
The Minister made this statement during a meeting with the Ghanaian community in Benin, where he also inspected some properties acquired in 1999.
“Ghanaian missions and their properties are for the state, bought with taxpayers’ funds, and none must be sold or privately owned. It won’t happen under President Mahama’s administration,” he declared while addressing staff at the mission in Benin.
These properties, which have been abandoned since 2019 due to a fire that damaged the meter, have continued to deteriorate. Some of the newly acquired properties have also developed defects, forcing mission staff to secure accommodation at significantly higher rental rates.
Out of the six properties owned by Ghana in Benin, only one remains abandoned.
Minister Ablakwa reminded those responsible for managing these assets that Ghanaians are counting on them to protect and maintain the properties.
He announced plans to renovate and, in some cases, reconstruct the properties, as concerns about their structural integrity persist.
Mr. Ablakwa assured the mission that the NDC government is committed to making Ghana a better place for all its citizens.
In line with the government’s focus on reducing the financial burden on ordinary Ghanaians, the Minister confirmed that the government will continue to remove nuisance taxes.
“President Mahama has assented to the bill to remove the betting tax, emission levy, and electronic transfer levy. Be assured that in the next budget, the COVID recovery levy will also be abolished,” he assured.
On strengthening Ghana’s international presence, the Minister urged the mission to position itself strategically to support Ghanaian businesses in the country, helping them to flourish.
Furthermore, to facilitate easier access to passport acquisition and other legal documents for Ghanaians abroad, the Ministry intends to set up operational offices, allowing nationals to avoid traveling back home for such services.
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