The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced the cancellation of two transactions initiated by the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to sell Ghanaian diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia.
This decision was made with the full support of President John Dramani Mahama, according to Mr. Ablakwa.
“Yesterday I informed Parliament that with the full backing of President Mahama, we have cancelled two transactions initiated by the previous Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government to sell Ghanaian diplomatic properties in Nigeria and Zambia,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The Minister revealed that efforts are underway to recover an illegal partial payment made in one of the transactions.
He also warned that the individuals behind these deals, who are currently evading authorities, will be tracked down and held accountable.
“Determined efforts are underway to retrieve an illegal part payment in one of the transactions. The masterminds, who are currently on the run will surely be found and sanctioned. We mean it when we say no diplomatic property belonging to the people of Ghana would be sold under our watch,” Mr. Ablakwa stressed.
Furthermore, Mr. Ablakwa warned that none of Ghana’s diplomatic properties, whether in the country or in any of its 71 diplomatic missions abroad, are for sale.
“Notice is hereby served that none of our diplomatic properties either in Ghana or any of our 71 diplomatic missions abroad are available for sale — hands off!” he urged.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the principles guiding the government’s decisions, saying, “The principles of ORAL, strict abhorrence for State Capture and the national interest shall continue to guide our decisions. For God and Country.”