The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, was visibly disheartened during his visit to the Ghanaian Chancery in Lagos, Nigeria, as he witnessed the severe deterioration of state-owned properties.
The condition of the building and its facilities left him deeply concerned.
Upon inspecting the chancery, which is described as small and cramped, the Minister was taken aback by its outdated furniture and malfunctioning air-conditioners.
The washrooms were equally in poor condition, and the Minister’s shock grew as he saw leaking roofs and deteriorated ceilings in the residential apartments housing Ghana’s diplomats.
“This is sad,” he remarked, clearly shaken by the state of disrepair.
The Head of Chancery, Barbara Entee, emphasized the urgency of repairs, noting that the structural defects were undeniable. “When it rains, water enters the residence,” she said. According to her, the visit could not have come at a more opportune time.
She stressed the high cost of maintaining the property and expressed hope that the Minister would push for the reconstruction of both the chancery and residential units. “The property doesn’t speak well of Ghana,” she added.
The property in question was acquired from the defunct Nigerian Airways in 2008, and Ghana currently owns two properties in Lagos, with one being rented to a multinational company.
The Lagos chancery and residential buildings house 23 staff members, including 10 diplomats.
In his remarks, Minister Ablakwa assured the staff and the wider Ghanaian community of his commitment to addressing the issue. “My actions will be louder than my words when I return to Ghana,” he promised. He further pledged to ensure that Ghana’s foreign properties are renovated or reconstructed to meet the required standards.
In Abuja, Ghana owns four properties, one of which was abandoned after a fire incident. The Minister assured that his ministry would focus on acquiring new properties annually, rather than selling existing ones.
This visit served as an eye-opener for Minister Ablakwa, who admitted that it was his first time seeing many of Ghana’s properties abroad.
He vowed to prioritize the improvement and upkeep of these assets, ensuring they reflect the dignity of Ghana’s representation overseas.
By: J.W Quarm
