Accra: Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to play a more strategic role in advancing Ghana's interests under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She emphasized the need to promote Ghanaian businesses across international markets, urging that trade promotion become a central pillar of the Ministry's work, particularly through Ghana's missions abroad, to ensure that Ghana derives maximum benefit from AfCFTA and other global economic opportunities.
According to Ghana News Agency, during a working visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, Professor Opoku-Agyeman interacted with management and staff, commending their contributions to Ghana's global image and diplomacy. She urged Foreign Service officers to intensify efforts in facilitating the expansion of Ghanaian businesses abroad, noting the disparity between the success of foreign companies in Ghana and the challenges faced by Ghanaian enterprises internationally. She called for a strategic reset to ensure mutual economic benefits in Ghana's international relations.
Professor Opoku-Agyeman also emphasized the responsibility of public officials to serve all citizens, including those not present in decision-making spaces, ensuring that policies positively impact all Ghanaians. She praised the Ministry for reforms such as expanding passport application centers, reducing costs, and introducing a one-day passport service and courier system, which she described as 'humane interventions' easing burdens on citizens, especially outside Accra.
Earlier, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Vice President for her consistent support and involvement in advancing Ghana's foreign policy. He highlighted Ghana's diplomatic achievements, including a landmark United Nations resolution on the transatlantic slave trade. Mr. Ablakwa announced a high-level global conference in Accra to develop a framework for reparatory justice, involving international leaders and advocacy groups.
On consular services, Mr. Ablakwa detailed reforms in passport administration, including the introduction of chip-embedded passports, clearing application backlogs, and reducing processing times. He noted the introduction of a courier service and a 30% reduction in passport costs, with centers established in all regions to ensure equitable access.
The Minister also discussed efforts to expand visa-free travel, securing 50 visa waiver agreements and plans to introduce an e-visa system to streamline entry processes. He clarified that Ghana's proposed free visa policy for Africans would maintain security checks while waiving fees.
Additionally, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted the Ministry's focus on staff welfare, citing new allowances, a duty waiver policy, and procurement of buses for staff transportation. Both the Vice President and the Minister emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in strengthening Ghana's international standing through economic diplomacy, inclusive service delivery, and national development.