Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed that Ghana's foreign policy remains a central instrument for advancing national development, safeguarding sovereignty, and projecting the country's values on the global stage. The President, delivering the Message on the State of the Nation to the 9th Parliament, emphasized that during times of geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainty, climate challenges, and security threats in West Africa, the Government has adopted strategic measures to align Ghana's international engagements with domestic priorities.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama stressed the practical needs of the Ghanaian people through diplomacy, noting that foreign policy now intertwines with trade, investment, job creation, migration governance, and security cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has intensified efforts to synchronize Ghana's external engagements with national development goals, ensuring partnerships translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
On regional relations, the President reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to good neighbourliness and constructive cooperation within West Africa. He emphasized that peace and stability in the sub-region are indispensable to Ghana's development trajectory. He advocated for sustained dialogue with member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, warning that disengagement could heighten vulnerabilities in a region grappling with terrorism and political instability.
'Continued dialogue and cooperation are indispensable to regional stability,' he said, underscoring Ghana's belief in collective responsibility and mutual respect as pillars of integration. President Mahama highlighted Ghana's role within the African Union, emphasizing positions on Reparations, African Financial Institutions, and Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment. Ghana's election as First Vice Chairperson of the AU reflects the country's credibility and diplomatic consistency, reinforcing its influence in shaping continental policy directions.
Globally, President Mahama reiterated Ghana's call for United Nations reforms to reflect contemporary realities, particularly Africa's representation in global governance and fairness in international financial institutions. He announced plans to present a resolution to the UN General Assembly for the recognition of the Transatlantic Slave Trade as the greatest crime against humanity, advocating reparative justice and cultural restitution. This resolution has already been endorsed by the African Union.
Beyond multilateral advocacy, the President outlined reforms to strengthen consular services as part of a people-centred foreign policy. Seven new Passport Application Centres have been established, ensuring all 16 regional capitals host passport offices. A 24-hour passport production operation has cleared a backlog of over 40,000 applications, resulting in a zero-backlog system and guaranteed passport delivery within 15 working days nationwide.
The Ministry has also implemented a five-day visa processing service across Ghana's missions abroad to facilitate travel, boost tourism, and enhance business mobility. Plans for a national electronic visa platform in 2026 aim to modernize entry procedures and improve investor confidence. Ghana has secured visa waiver agreements with 11 countries to deepen trade, tourism, and diplomatic exchanges.
President Mahama highlighted the record 7.8 billion dollars in remittances from Ghanaians abroad in 2025, underscoring the diaspora's role as a vital development partner. He supports legislative reforms enabling qualified Ghanaians abroad to participate more fully in national life, including eligibility to hold public office, with appropriate safeguards. Ghana's foreign policy remains anchored on sovereignty, development, and shared prosperity, ensuring the country's voice remains principled and influential globally.