President John Mahama has said that Ghana cannot continue to pay over 15 million dollars in rent in its foreign missions.
Swearing in 18 newly commissioned envoys, which include ambassadors and high commissioners, and protocol officers, in Accra on Thursday, September 4, the president says a transaction advisor has already been reached to see to the establishment of properties to be fully owned by the state.
He said, “Integrity must be your watchword. The Public Financial Management Act and all relevant regulations must guide your stewardship of public resources that are put in your care. I urge you to guard the public purse with diligence and ensure that efficiency, service and ethical governance, the very values we are entrenching at home, shine through in every mission abroad.
“Let me be emphatic. Ghana cannot continue spending a staggering more than $15 million every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use.”
President Mahama added “This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources, and the reset agenda requires an immediate reversal of this trend. And that is why the Cabinet has promptly approved the STRIDE initiative.
“And STRIDE refers to the strategic transition from rental to developing our own properties. I’ve tasked the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Finance to work urgently to resolve this long-standing challenge. From my latest briefing, a transaction advisor has been appointed, standard designs are being developed, and funding mechanisms are already being negotiated.
“This decisive shift will ensure that our missions abroad are housed in properties that are owned by the Republic, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding Ghana’s dignity on the international stage. Distinguished Envoys, the research agenda is a shared enterprise.
“Success depends on close coordination between the missions abroad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all ministries, departments and government agencies.”
Source:Lovinghananews.com
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