The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated the newly Reconstituted Ministerial Advisory Board on Friday, in Accra.
The Board aims to promote strategic guidance, inclusive stakeholder consultation, and institutional accountability in the formulation and execution of Ghana’s foreign policy.
Its reconstitution, in accordance with Section 39 (1) of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), follows the conclusion of the previous Board’s mandate in December 2024, ensuring continuity in the Ministry’s governance and policy advisory structures.
The Minister expressed his gratitude to all the previous Board members who had assisted the Ministry in diverse ways.
He commended their contributions to strengthening Ghana’s foreign relations and laying a solid foundation for progressive diplomatic reforms.
Addressing the new board members, the Minister described their appointment as a recognition of their distinguished service in public life, diplomacy, academia, security, civil society, and administration.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed confidence in their ability to offer critical insights to guide the Ministry’s evolving mandate amid regional and global complexities.
He stated his vision of a foreign policy that is people-centered, development-oriented, and results-driven.
He shared key reforms initiated on his first day in office, including the establishment of the Passport Reforms Committee, tasked with addressing inefficiencies in passport issuance, and the Committee on Migration and the Welfare of Ghanaians Abroad, focused on diaspora rights, welfare, and engagement.
Highlighting achievements, Mr Ablakwa mentioned the introduction of chip-embedded biometric passports, the launch of a Mobile Passport Application Centre for Hajj pilgrims, and Ghana’s diplomatic successes such as securing strategic roles for nationals at the African Union Commission.
He also mentioned Ghana’s ongoing support for Mr. Muhammad Adam’s candidature for Secretary General of the UN Tourism Organisation (2026-2029).
The Minister announced the ongoing development of a Comprehensive Foreign Policy Framework and an Economic Diplomacy Blueprint, which will serve as key tools in leveraging diplomacy for economic transformation.
According to him, a new Delivery Unit and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Heads of Mission are being implemented to enhance accountability and results across Ghana’s diplomatic missions.
On infrastructure, the Minister revealed Cabinet’s approval for the Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development (STRIDE) Initiative.
“This four-year plan seeks to address the high cost and inefficiencies associated with rented premises for Ghana’s missions abroad by transitioning to permanent state-owned properties,” he added.
He also reiterated Ghana’s commitment to Pan-African solidarity, citing the initiative to offer 1,000 scholarships to African students to study in Ghana as part of the country’s educational diplomacy strategy.
The 13-member Ministerial Advisory Board is chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Mr. Ramses J. Cleland; the Minister for Defence, Mr. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah; the Minister for Finance, Mr. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
