Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to adopt a more strategic and proactive approach in advancing Ghana’s interests under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
She stressed the need to prioritise trade promotion, urging the Ministry to actively support Ghanaian businesses in accessing international markets. According to her, Ghana’s diplomatic missions must go beyond traditional roles and work to ensure local enterprises fully benefit from AfCFTA and other global opportunities.
Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry, she encouraged Foreign Service officers to intensify efforts to help Ghanaian companies expand abroad. She observed that while many foreign businesses thrive in Ghana, relatively few Ghanaian firms succeed internationally, calling for a shift to achieve more balanced outcomes.
The Vice President also highlighted the duty of public officials to serve all citizens, ensuring that policies deliver broad national benefits.
She commended the Ministry for recent reforms, including the expansion of passport application centres across all regions, reduced passport fees, and the introduction of a one-day processing service alongside courier delivery. She described these as humane measures that improve access, particularly for those outside Accra.
Efforts to improve staff welfare, such as the introduction of staff buses, were also praised.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the Vice President’s support and involvement in Ghana’s foreign policy.
He pointed to key diplomatic achievements, including the adoption of a United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity, secured through collaboration with the African Union and partners across the diaspora.
He also announced that Ghana will host a global conference in Accra on June 18 and 19 to develop a common framework for reparatory justice, bringing together international leaders and organisations.
On consular services, the Minister highlighted improvements such as the introduction of chip-embedded passports, the clearance of a backlog of 40,000 applications, and faster processing times now under 15 days, with an emergency one-day option available.
He added that passport fees have been reduced by 30 per cent to GH₵350, with application centres now available nationwide. A courier system has also been introduced to deliver passports directly to applicants.
Further progress includes expanding visa-free travel agreements, with about 50 secured so far, and plans to introduce an electronic visa system in May to simplify entry processes and boost investment.
He clarified that Ghana’s proposed visa-free policy for Africans would remove fees while maintaining strict security checks.
The Minister noted that the introduction of performance tracking measures has improved service delivery and strengthened economic diplomacy across Ghana’s 72 missions worldwide.
Both leaders emphasised the importance of collaboration in enhancing Ghana’s global presence, with a strong focus on economic diplomacy, inclusive service delivery, and national development.
Source: 3news.com
