Ghana’s newly appointed envoys will not only represent the country diplomatically but also serve as frontline agents of economic growth as part of their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has charged them to increase Ghana’s trade volumes with their host countries by a minimum of 10% annually.
Speaking at an orientation workshop, Ablakwa stressed that economic diplomacy must be at the heart of their mission.
“We have country-specific KPIs. And the minimum threshold we have set is that everybody must increase trade volumes by 10% annually. That’s the minimum. Some have been giving 15%, some 20%, some 25%,” he declared.
In particular, Ghana’s envoy to India faces the steepest task. Following a recent agreement between President John Mahama and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double trade within four years, Ghana must achieve a 25% annual trade increase with India.
“Our colleague going to India, God help you, yours is 25%. Because, unfortunately for you, President Mahama and Prime Minister Modi, during Prime Minister Modi’s state visit, agreed that in the next four years, they want to double the trade volumes. And the only way it can be doubled is for us to do 25% every year. So you have the highest, because our presidents have agreed. So, Prof, God help you, we are praying with you,” the Minister for Foreign Affairs lightly quipped at the event.
Beyond trade numbers, envoys have also been tasked with creating tangible market opportunities for Ghanaian businesses, promoting Made-in-Ghana products, and ensuring international brand visibility.
“It shouldn’t always be about people exploiting our resources. We also want to enter their markets with strong Ghanaian brands,” Ablakwa emphasized.
The directive reflects a shift in Ghana’s foreign policy towards measurable outcomes in economic diplomacy. With KPIs now tied to trade performance, envoys will be judged not only by their ability to foster goodwill but also by their success in driving Ghana’s global economic agenda.
