In line with the broader initiative to foster closer engagement with Ministries, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang embarked on a Working Visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, 15th April 2026.
Addressing the Management and Staff, Her Excellency the Vice President commended the Ministry for its professionalism, innovation and continued dedication to promoting the image and interest of Ghana through the implementation of the foreign policy objectives of the country. Among others, she cited the leadership role played by the Ministry in mobilising a global coalition to support the recently adopted United Nations General Assembly Resolution declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity. She urged the staff of the Ministry to continue pursuing excellence in service and to remain mindful of the mandate of the Ministry.
Speaking on economic diplomacy, she highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area, including access to markets and urged the Ministry to continue to build on its relations in promoting trade and investment for national economic transformation.
She acknowledged the stride made in ensuring the welfare of Staff and observed that strong institutions are not built on performance targets alone but also on the wellbeing of the people.
She reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to maintaining open and accessible channels of engagement with public institutions across the country.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) in his remarks, stated that the Working Visit marks the first time Ghana’s first female Vice President had undertaken such an interactive visit to the Ministry. He expressed appreciation for her continuous support for the work of the Ministry. He apprised the Vice President of the activities and achievements of the Ministry, such as the adoption of UN Resolution A/RES/80/250, as well as reforms undertaken by the Ministry to enhance passport administration; including the introduction of chip-embedded passports, reduction in passport processing fees, introduction of one-day emergency passport service and the opening of passport application centres in all the sixteen regions of Ghana. He also outlined progress made in securing a number of visa waiver agreements and the commencement of free visa for Africans effective May, 2026.
Touching on staff welfare, he emphasised that the Ministry had improved working conditions through revised conditions of service, enhanced allowances, transportation services for junior staff and new policy measure to support foreign service officers returning to base.
On her part, the Chief Director, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu welcomed the Vice President and her entourage and assured of the dedication of the Staff of the Ministry to deliver on the mandate of the Ministry in building a better Ghana.
