President John Dramani Mahama on Monday launched Ghana’s first-ever Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for heads of missions, aimed at ensuring a measurable framework to guide the country’s diplomacy and support his Reset Vision.
The 500 KPIs cover a wide range of targets, including securing scholarships and exchange programmes to boost Ghana’s human capital, driving a minimum 10 per cent annual increase in tourist arrivals, ensuring strict adherence to financial and procurement regulations, and strengthening Ghana’s security interests through improved intelligence sharing.
Other priorities include inaugurating or reactivating Permanent Joint Commissions for Cooperation (PJCC) with key partners, and transitioning from renting to infrastructure development to save millions of dollars in rent costs.
President Mahama, joined by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and Ga Mantse Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru, launched the KPIs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
In his keynote address, the President said Ghana’s missions had evolved into vehicles for economic engagement, tasked with facilitating trade, attracting investments, and promoting innovation.
“I charge you to expand our export markets, especially for value-added goods such as processed food, shea butter, textiles, crafts, and digital services,” he said.
He also called on the heads of missions to deepen engagement with the diaspora, not just as a source of remittances but also as investors, innovators, and partners in Ghana’s development.
“The success of our heads of missions will not be measured by ceremony or protocol, but by the scale of investment, trade, and opportunities they help secure for our people,” he stressed.
President Mahama further urged the envoys to embody transparency, accountability, and professionalism, while ensuring citizens abroad experienced fairness and respect. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to Pan-Africanism, saying the country must remain a principled voice for justice, fairness, and peace at ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that Ghana currently operates 75 diplomatic missions — comprising 13 high commissions, 48 embassies, and 14 consulates. He announced plans to open new consulates in Singapore, Dublin (Ireland), Massachusetts (USA), and Lisbon (Portugal).
Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that all newly appointed heads of missions had received 100 per cent confirmation from their assigned countries, with the ambassadorial composition standing at 45 per cent career diplomats and 55 per cent non-career appointees.
Chairing the ceremony, the Ga Mantse urged the envoys to prioritize the promotion of Ghanaian products, culture, and tourism, and to ensure their decisions always followed due process.
Source: GNA
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