The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has outlined two major policy initiatives designed to reshape Ghana’s diplomacy, cut waste, and strengthen accountability.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced these reforms while presenting the ministry’s performance report at the Government Accountability Series in Accra.

STRIDE: Ending Rent Dependence Abroad

The first initiative, STRIDE (Strategic Transition from Renting to Infrastructure Development), seeks to end the government’s long-standing dependence on renting offices for diplomatic missions abroad. Currently, Ghana spends an estimated US$15 million annually on rent, a figure Minister Ablakwa described as unsustainable.

“Ghana cannot continue to spend millions of taxpayer dollars on rent while owning donated lands in 23 countries,” the minister stated.

Under STRIDE, Ghana will construct permanent chancery and residential facilities for its embassies and high commissions.

The government has also launched an open architectural design competition for “Ghana House,” ensuring future diplomatic buildings reflect Ghanaian culture, green standards, and iconic national identity.

ORAL: Recovering Looted State Assets

The second flagship policy is the reinforcement of Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL), a cornerstone of President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda.

Minister Ablakwa disclosed that under ORAL, the ministry had already:

* Reclaimed lands at Airport Residential Area previously sold off,

* Halted the illegal sale of diplomatic property in Lagos, Nigeria,

* Cancelled a $3.5 million improperly awarded contract for the Abidjan Embassy,

* And created a full asset register to track all properties.

The minister emphasised that no contract under his leadership has been awarded through sole-sourcing, insisting that competitive procurement is now the rule.

“Accountability and value for money are non-negotiable. Every cedi must serve the Ghanaian people,” he affirmed.

Resetting Ghana’s Diplomacy

Together, STRIDE and ORAL represent what the Minister described as a “reset in Ghana’s diplomacy” — a shift towards fiscal prudence, anti-corruption, and projecting Ghana’s image with dignity on the global stage.

“These policies will not only save Ghana millions but also restore confidence in the integrity of our foreign policy operations,” Ablakwa concluded.