President John Dramani Mahama has directed that Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad transition from rented premises to state-owned facilities, in a move aimed at saving the country over $15 million annually.
The new policy, dubbed the Strategic Transition from Rental to Development of Properties, has already secured Cabinet approval.
A transaction advisor has been appointed, standard development designs are underway, and negotiations for funding have commenced.
Speaking at the swearing-in of 18 new Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Protocol officials at the Jubilee House on Thursday, September 4, President Mahama described the continued reliance on rented properties as “unsustainable and wasteful.”
“This shift will ensure that our missions abroad are housed in proper homes owned by the Republic, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding Ghana’s dignity on the international stage,” he said.
The President has tasked the Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs to expedite implementation of the policy.
Officials say the measure is expected to significantly reduce recurrent costs, while projecting Ghana’s image more respectably in the global diplomatic community.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
