The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, wasted no time in setting his vision into motion, holding a staff durbar on his first day in office.
Addressing ministry officials, he assured them of his commitment to enhancing staff welfare and ensuring an efficient and responsive Foreign Ministry.
As part of his initial actions, the minister inaugurated two key committees on Passport Reforms and Safe Job Migration.
He emphasized the need for a modernized Passport Office that operates 24 hours, eliminates intermediaries known as ‘goro boys’, establishes a fair and affordable fee structure, removes multiple biometric hurdles, and introduces a nationwide courier service for passport deliveries.
On job migration, Minister Ablakwa reaffirmed his pledge to create safer employment opportunities for Ghanaians abroad through bilateral agreements.
He stressed that such agreements would ensure regulated employment conditions, protecting Ghanaian workers from exploitation and rights violations.
“Ghanaians can expect more exciting reforms in the coming days,” he stated, adding that his ministry will work to support President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of transforming Ghana’s foreign relations.
The minister’s swift actions signal a proactive approach to addressing longstanding challenges in the Foreign Ministry, with a focus on making it more effective and accessible to all Ghanaians.
Source : www.kumasimail.com
