By: Hannah Dadzie
President John Dramani Mahama has launched the first-ever Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for newly appointed envoys in Accra, marking a shift from traditional diplomacy to a results-oriented approach. The initiative, part of a five-day Conference of Heads of Mission and orientation programme for new envoys, is designed to ensure that Ghana’s diplomatic efforts yield direct benefits for its citizens.
President Mahama charged the envoys to make economic diplomacy the cornerstone of the country’s foreign policy, emphasizing that their performance will be assessed based on concrete achievements in expanding trade, attracting investment, and securing opportunities for Ghanaians.
“Your success is going to be measured not by ceremonial protocol, but by the scale of investment, trade, and opportunities you help secure for the people of Ghana,” President Mahama said.
The five-day programme is designed to prepare Heads of Mission for their roles through briefings on key areas of national interest, with the ultimate goal of advancing Ghana’s foreign policy objectives and improving the livelihoods of its citizens. It seeks to enhance the envoys’ understanding for the effective discharge of their mandate in their respective jurisdictions.
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), which were launched, focus on eight areas including economic diplomacy, consular services, diaspora engagement, financial management, and ethical compliance. President John Dramani Mahama emphasized integrity, efficiency, and professionalism in managing missions, stressing that the credibility of Ghana’s diplomacy is inseparable from the credibility of its government.
“The capital, technology, markets, and knowledge we attract will be decisive. That is why I am charging you, our envoys, to ensure that every engagement abroad translates into real opportunities for our people,” the Presiident said.
The President further encouraged the envoys to tell Ghana’s story with confidence, not as a nation constrained by challenges, but as one defined by resilience, creativity, and determination.
” Ghana must be projected as the leader in renewable energy, sustainable farming and environmental stewardship. Our greatest resource in not our gold, oil or cocoa, it’s our people. As envoys you must secure scholarships and training opportunities for our young people. This marks a new era, your appointment is built on honour and a solemn duty, tell Ghana’s story with confidence.” The President Indicated
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, urged the envoys to put their best foot forward to help achieve President Mahama’s reset agenda.
“We have country specific KPIs and the minimum threshold we have set is that everybody must increase trade volumes by 10% annually, that is the minimum. Some have been given 15%, some 20%, some 25%. It shouldn’t always be about people coming to exploit our natural resources, we also want to enter their market. Mr Ablakwa said
The Foreign Affairs Minister said government has enhanced conditions of service for envoys as motivation to deliver on the new KPIs.
“If President Mahama was able to achieve a lot in 4 days, during his State Visits to Japan and Singapore, we have no excuse for the next 4 years. There is introduction of Key Performance Indicators allowance plus special citation from President Mahama.Enhanced hardship allowance plus insurance package.Postings to hardship locations will now be 2 years with the option to seek cross-posting. In addition, one home leave a year is guaranteed, and all other allowances increased.
Chairman of the event, Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, congratulated the envoys and reminded them that their conduct must reflect Ghana’s values of integrity, respect, hospitality, and discipline. He described the KPIs as a decisive shift from ceremonial diplomacy to a results-driven approach, urging the envoys to position Ghana as a trusted partner in global commerce.
” Your mission abroad is to elevate Ghana by engaging with the Ghanaian diaspora and local communities in line the government’s transformation agenda. In all you do seek opportunities to promote Ghanaian products from our textiles, traditional symbols, foodproducts, clothing and tourism.” King Tackie Teiko Tsuru said
The orientation, under the theme “Harnessing the Dividends of Diplomacy for Ghana’s Reset Agenda.” brought together Ghana’s new ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls-general. Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang was also in attendance.
