The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated a reconstituted Ministerial Advisory Board to provide strategic guidance and support to the Ministry’s foreign policy initiatives. The Board comprises distinguished individuals from various fields, including former ministers, ambassadors, and experts in trade, investment, and diplomacy.
Key Members of the Board
1. Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa (Chairperson)
2. Amb. Ramses J. Cleland, Chief Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
3. Hon. Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
4. Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance
5. Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry
6. Mr. Francis Kojo Kwarteng Arthur, CEO of Ghana Export Promotion Authority
7. Mr. Simon Madjie, CEO of Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC)
8. Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs
9. Amb. Agnes Aggrey-Orleans, Chairperson, Association of Former Foreign Service Officers
10. Amb. Chris Kpodo
11. Hon. Rev. Helen Adjoa Ntoso (MP)
12. Hon. Queenstar Maame Pokua Sawyerr (MP)
13. Amb. Philbert I.K.A. Johnson, Director/Policy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Bureau
Objectives and Vision
The Board’s key objectives include providing expert advice on foreign policy matters, enhancing accountability, and promoting inclusive governance. Minister Ablakwa emphasized the importance of a people-centered, development-oriented, and results-driven approach to diplomacy.
Achievements and Future Plans
The Ministry has made significant progress in recent times, including the successful rollout of the chip-embedded biometric passport and securing strategic positions for Ghanaians at the African Union Commission. Future plans include developing a Comprehensive Foreign Policy Framework and creating an Economic Diplomacy Blueprint.
Quotes from Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi
After the inauguration, Prof. Kwamena Ahwoi, Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed his enthusiasm for the Board’s role in shaping Ghana’s diplomatic efforts. “I am delighted to be part of this esteemed Board, and I look forward to contributing my expertise and experience to help advance Ghana’s foreign policy objectives,” he said.
The Minister expressed his commitment to engaging the Board with openness, transparency, and mutual respect, and looked forward to collective efforts in building a more agile, impactful, and inclusive foreign policy architecture for Ghana. With the diverse expertise and experience of its members, the Ministerial Advisory Board is poised to play a crucial role in advancing Ghana’s diplomatic interests.