Ghana’s government has unveiled plans to end the country’s reliance on rented properties for its diplomatic missions abroad, a practice that costs more than $15 million annually.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the move on September 4 while commissioning new Ambassadors and High Commissioners, describing the expenditure as a drain on taxpayer resources.
The Cabinet has approved a new program, the Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing Our Own Properties (STRIDE Initiative), aimed at constructing and acquiring state-owned buildings for Ghana’s missions overseas.
The initiative will be jointly led by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance, with a transaction advisor already appointed to guide the process.
Standard architectural designs are being prepared and funding arrangements are under negotiation.
According to the government, the shift will not only cut recurring rental costs but also ensure that Ghana’s diplomatic missions are housed in properties owned by the state, safeguarding national dignity while promoting fiscal discipline.
