STRIDE Initiative will End $15 Million Annual Diplomatic Property Rentals – President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has announced Cabinet approval of the STRIDE initiative, a strategic programme designed to transition Ghana’s diplomatic missions from renting properties to developing government-owned facilities abroad.

I’m his address as the commissioning of the 18 envoys on Thursday in Accra, the President revealed that Ghana currently spends more than $15 million annually on renting properties for diplomatic use, describing this as an unjudicious use of taxpayers’ resources that the Reset Agenda requires immediate reversal.

“Ghana cannot continue spending a staggering more than $15 million every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use. 

“This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources and the reset agenda requires an immediate reversal of this trend,” President Mahama stated while addressing newly appointed heads of mission and ambassadors on Thursday.

STRIDE, which stands for Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing our own properties, aims to ensure that Ghana’s missions abroad are housed in Republic-owned properties, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding the country’s dignity on the international stage.

The President disclosed that implementation is already underway, with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Finance tasked to work urgently on resolving this long-standing challenge. A transaction advisor has been appointed, standard designs are being developed, and funding mechanisms are currently being negotiated.

The STRIDE announcement formed part of President Mahama’s address to newly appointed head commissioners and ambassadors, marking what he described as recognition of their dedicated service and sterling achievements in both public and private sectors.

During the same address, the President introduced Key Performance Indicators for Ghana’s diplomatic missions, representing the first time such structured frameworks have been implemented in the country’s diplomatic practice. 

These KPIs are designed to ensure every action taken by missions abroad contributes directly to advancing Ghana’s national priorities.

“These KPIs are not mere bureaucratic tools, they are instruments to ensure that every action taken by our missions abroad contributes directly to advancing Ghana’s national priorities,” the President explained, noting that he would personally monitor progress as part of the commitment to results-oriented diplomacy.

The President charged the newly appointed diplomats with extending the Reset Agenda internationally through strategic partnerships and global engagement. 

He emphasized that while much of the Reset Agenda work would be driven domestically, their role involves cultivating partnerships, unlocking opportunities, and deepening Ghana’s place in the global community.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD