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.
According to him, the decision was taken with the full backing of President John Dramani Mahama to safeguard the country’s diplomatic assets.
“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,” Ablakwa stated.
He further revealed that efforts were underway to recover an illegal part payment made in one of the transactions, emphasizing that those responsible for the deal, who are currently on the run, will be pursued and held accountable.
“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,” he assured.
Ablakwa issued a strong warning against any future attempts to dispose of Ghana’s diplomatic assets.
“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 declared.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the principles of national interest and preventing any form of state capture.
“The principles of ORAL, strict abhorrence for State Capture, and the national interest shall continue to guide our decisions. For God and Country,” he concluded.
