Ghana today opened a five-day Conference of Heads of Mission and Orientation Programme for Newly Appointed Envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the theme “Harnessing the Dividends of Diplomacy for Ghana’s Reset Agenda.” The programme, which runs until September 5, is designed to equip Ghana’s envoys with the tools and skills necessary to advance the country’s foreign policy, attract investment, and strengthen international partnerships.

Delivering the keynote address, President John Dramani Mahama charged the envoys to focus their efforts on promoting investment in Ghana’s priority sectors, including industrialisation, renewable energy, digital services, agro-processing, infrastructure, and tourism. He further underscored the importance of managing diplomatic missions with integrity, efficiency, and professionalism, stressing the need for accountability and transparency.

As part of the event, the President launched Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Heads of Mission. The framework is expected to provide measurable benchmarks for Ghana’s diplomatic engagements, ensuring that missions deliver tangible results that align with national objectives.

Chairman of the ceremony, H.R.M. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, congratulated the newly appointed envoys and urged them to project Ghana’s image positively abroad. He highlighted the importance of promoting trade, investment, and cultural diplomacy, noting that the introduction of KPIs represents a decisive shift from ceremonial diplomacy to a results-oriented approach.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), outlined reforms being implemented under the Reset Agenda to enhance Ghana’s foreign policy operations. These include the introduction of 24-hour passport services with e-tracking and a 15-day delivery guarantee, Labour Mobility Agreements, establishment of new diplomatic missions, a move from rented premises to infrastructural development, and the creation of a Delivery Unit to ensure compliance with the new KPIs. He assured the envoys that the Ministry would provide full support to enable them to succeed in their mandate.

The opening ceremony was attended by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Chief of Defence Staff, and several high-ranking government officials, underscoring the significance of the conference to Ghana’s national development and diplomatic strategy.

The Conference is expected to conclude on September 5, 2025, with detailed sessions focusing on best practices in diplomacy, strategies for investment promotion, and innovations in cultural and economic partnerships.