Vice President Urges Stronger Diplomacy to Boost AfCFTA Benefits

Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman has called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to play a more strategic role in helping Ghana fully benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area. She stressed that beyond traditional diplomacy, the Ministry must focus on promoting Ghanaian businesses in international markets. According to her, Ghana’s missions abroad should actively support local companies to expand and compete globally. Speaking during a working visit to the Ministry, she urged Foreign Service officers to intensify efforts in boosting Ghanaian enterprises, noting that while many foreign businesses succeed in Ghana, fewer Ghanaian firms thrive abroad. She called for a reset to ensure more balanced economic gains. The Vice President also highlighted the need for public policies to benefit all citizens and praised recent reforms such as expanded passport application centres, reduced fees, and the introduction of a one-day passport service and courier delivery. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, thanked the Vice President for her support and outlined key achievements, including improved passport services, expanded visa-free agreements, and plans to introduce an electronic visa system. He also announced that Ghana will host a global conference in Accra in June to advance discussions on reparatory justice, in collaboration with international partners. Both leaders emphasised the importance of economic diplomacy and collective effort in strengthening Ghana’s global position and driving national development.