Hon.Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing trade diplomacy as a key strategy in advancing Ghana’s economic and international interests.
Speaking before the Appointments Committee of Parliament, he emphasized that under his leadership, the Foreign Affairs Ministry would shift focus toward leveraging diplomatic ties to attract investment, expand trade opportunities, and strengthen Ghana’s global partnerships. He underscored the crucial role of economic diplomacy in driving job creation, industrialization, and sustainable development.
“We live in an era where diplomacy is not just about political alliances but also about fostering economic cooperation and trade expansion. My vision for Ghana’s foreign policy is to actively pursue trade diplomacy, ensuring that our embassies and missions across the world are at the forefront of promoting Ghanaian businesses, securing international markets, and driving foreign direct investment,” he stated.
He further highlighted plans to restructure the operations of Ghanaian diplomatic missions to align with national economic goals. According to him, ambassadors and high commissioners would be required to work closely with the business community, investors, and government agencies to position Ghana as a competitive player in global markets.
The nominee also spoke on the importance of strengthening ties with regional and global trade blocs such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), ECOWAS, and the European Union to boost exports and support local industries. He reiterated that Ghana’s strategic position as the AfCFTA Secretariat host country presents an opportunity to enhance trade partnerships and economic growth.
Additionally, he pledged to enhance economic cooperation with Ghana’s traditional and emerging partners, ensuring that trade agreements yield tangible benefits for the country. He also assured lawmakers that the government would prioritize resolving trade-related challenges faced by Ghanaian businesses abroad and work to increase access to global markets for local entrepreneurs.
The vetting session also touched on various aspects of Ghana’s foreign policy, including security cooperation, regional stability, and the welfare of Ghanaian citizens in the diaspora. However, he maintained that economic growth through trade diplomacy would be at the heart of his agenda if approved as Foreign Affairs Minister.
