Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs Designate, has outlined a bold vision for Ghana’s foreign policy direction, pledging significant reforms in economic diplomacy, the passport application process, and the operational effectiveness of the country’s foreign service.
Appearing before the Appointment Committee of Parliament, Hon. Ablakwa made it clear that his tenure would be marked by a shift towards tangible economic benefits for Ghanaians, a streamlined passport regime, and heightened accountability within the country’s diplomatic missions.
The North Tongu MP placed economic diplomacy at the heart of his foreign policy agenda, emphasizing the need for bilateral agreements that would create jobs for Ghana’s burgeoning youth population.
He underscored the importance of regulated migration that ensures both the individual and the nation benefit from employment opportunities abroad.
“I have just talked about one of the priority areas, economic diplomacy, pursuing bilateral agreements to create jobs for the young people of our country in a regulated migration that benefits the individual and the country”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs Designate
His approach signals a paradigm shift in Ghana’s foreign relations, moving beyond traditional diplomatic courtesies to focus on concrete economic gains. This strategy is expected to boost foreign direct investment (FDI), enhance trade agreements, and create employment avenues for Ghanaians in foreign markets.
Overhauling the Passport Regime: A Commitment to Efficiency and Accessibility
Hon. Ablakwa also expressed strong concerns about the inefficiencies in Ghana’s passport application process, describing it as fraught with delays, middleman interference, and logistical challenges.
“There are too many complaints about how difficult it is to get passports—and to get them in good time. I have been going through some briefs, and I noticed that we have a backlog of over 70,000 passports that have not been collected”.
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs Designate
Acknowledging previous efforts by his predecessor, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, who once stormed the passport office in frustration, Hon. Ablakwa pledged to leverage technology to streamline the process.
He pointed out that the requirement for Ghanaians with Ghana Cards to still undergo biometric registration at passport offices was unnecessary and outdated.
“I don’t think that we should still be requiring Ghanaians who have a Ghana Card to go to the passport office for their biometrics. This system of silos isn’t appropriate. I’m going to implement these reforms; I would want to engage the Ministry of Communications. I’ve already started talks with the Honourable Sam Nartey George.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs Designate
To modernize the passport application process, Hon. Ablakwa proposed a seamless online application system, eliminating the need for physical visits to passport offices.
He also proposed integrating courier services to deliver passports directly to applicants, eliminating the outdated practice of physically picking them up.
Accountability and Performance-Based Diplomacy
In a significant policy shift, Hon. Ablakwa vowed to introduce a performance-driven culture within Ghana’s foreign missions, ensuring that ambassadors and high commissioners deliver measurable results.
“We spent more than GHS 875 million on our foreign service staff alone last year. That’s almost GHS 1 billion. And you ask yourself, these 71 missions out there, what are they bringing in?” he questioned.
To address this concern, Hon. Ablakwa announced plans to establish a ‘Delivery Unit’ within the ministry that would set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for diplomats, measuring their contributions towards attracting foreign investments and fostering economic opportunities for Ghana.
“Now, where we are in the current global ecosystem, you can’t be relying on aid, relying on loans, relying on other countries. Let’s aggressively pursue a community purpose. When we send you there as an ambassador, it’s not just to be attending events.
“You must bring us something home that will impact the lives of the people. How many investors are you bringing in? How many industries? FDI and all of that. So they will be given clear KPIs.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs Designate
He further indicated that ambassadors and high commissioners who fail to deliver tangible results within a year would face reassignment, ensuring a more dynamic and results-oriented diplomatic corps.
Hon. Ablakwa’s ambitious plans signal a departure from the status quo, bringing a fresh perspective to Ghana’s foreign policy strategy. His emphasis on economic diplomacy, a digitalized and efficient passport regime, and performance-driven diplomatic service aligns with contemporary global best practices.
His proposed reforms, if successfully implemented, could redefine the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s relevance to the average Ghanaian, demonstrating its direct impact on job creation, national development, and international trade.
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