Story by Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has outlined an ambitious plan to reform Ghana’s Foreign Service, introducing a performance-based Key Performance Indicator (KPI) system to ensure ambassadors and high commissioners deliver tangible economic benefits.
Appearing before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern over the high expenditure on Ghana’s foreign missions without clear returns. He revealed that more than GHS 875 million was spent on foreign service staff last year, raising questions about the impact of the country’s 71 diplomatic missions worldwide.
“Where we are in the current global ecosystem, you can’t be relying on aid and loans, relying on other countries. Let’s aggressively pursue economic diplomacy. 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 and FDIs (Foreign Direct Investment). So they will be given clear KPIs.” Mr Ablakwa noted
To address this, he proposed the establishment of a Delivery Unit within the ministry to track performance. Diplomats will be required to meet set KPIs, including attracting investors and securing economic partnerships. Those who fail to deliver within a year will face reshuffling to ensure a more proactive and dynamic foreign service.
“Many people see the Foreign Ministry as abstract, disconnected from national development. What do we even get from foreign ministry. We are going to change that perception. Clear KPIs you must bring something home. If within one year we are not seeing benefits, you will be reshuffled so that we send in Ambassadors who will be more dynamic, who will be proactive in our national interest,” he added.
His proposal marks a radical shift in Ghana’s diplomatic approach, prioritising measurable impact over traditional diplomatic engagements. If implemented, the policy could transform Ghana’s international relations strategy into a results-driven model focused on national development.
