Gov’t to end $15m annual rent abroad as Cabinet approves diplomatic property policy

President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Cabinet has approved a new policy aimed at ending the long-standing reliance on rented facilities for Ghana’s missions abroad.

The policy, dubbed the Strategic Transition from Rental to Development of Properties, will see Ghana gradually acquire and develop its own diplomatic properties across the world.

According to the President, a transaction advisor has already been appointed, standard facility designs are being prepared, and funding arrangements are currently under negotiation. He has directed the Ministers of Finance and Foreign Affairs to urgently address the high costs associated with rented diplomatic premises.

Speaking at the swearing-in of 18 newly appointed Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and Protocol officials at the Jubilee House on Thursday, September 4, President Mahama described the practice as unsustainable.

“Ghana cannot continue spending 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 is an immediate reversal of this trend,” he said.

The President stressed that the new approach will cut wasteful expenditure while also enhancing Ghana’s international image.

“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 added.

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