- President Mahama has announced a bold shift in Ghana’s diplomatic infrastructure strategy, revealing that the country spends over $15 million annually on renting properties abroad.
- Under the newly approved STRIDE initiative, Ghana will transition from renting to owning its foreign mission buildings, aiming to cut costs and reinforce national pride.
Ghana’s foreign missions are about to undergo a major transformation. President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the country will no longer spend millions annually on renting properties abroad for diplomatic use — a practice he described as unsustainable and fiscally irresponsible.
Speaking at the swearing-in of newly appointed envoys, Mahama revealed that Ghana currently spends over $15 million each year on rented diplomatic offices and residences. As part of his government’s Reset Agenda, that era is coming to an end.
The solution? A new policy dubbed STRIDE — Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing our own Properties. Approved by Cabinet, the initiative will see Ghana build and own its diplomatic facilities abroad, reducing long-term costs and enhancing the country’s global image.
Key steps are already underway. A transaction advisor has been appointed, standard architectural designs are being developed, and funding mechanisms are in negotiation. The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Finance have been tasked with fast-tracking implementation.
For Mahama, the STRIDE initiative isn’t just about saving money — it’s about restoring dignity and asserting Ghana’s presence on the international stage. By housing envoys in state-owned properties, the country aims to project stability, pride, and fiscal discipline.
The announcement marks a pivotal moment in Ghana’s diplomatic strategy, signaling a shift from reactive spending to proactive investment. As the Reset Agenda gains momentum, STRIDE could become a blueprint for how Ghana reclaims control over its global footprint.
