Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has paid a working visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with key state institutions.
Addressing management and staff on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Vice President commended the Ministry for its professionalism, innovation, and commitment to advancing Ghana’s foreign policy objectives and international image.
“I commend you for your professionalism, innovation and continued dedication to promoting the image and interest of Ghana,” she said.
She praised the Ministry’s leadership in mobilising international backing for a United Nations General Assembly resolution that declares the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as a grave crime against humanity.
“The leadership role you played in mobilising global support for this important resolution is commendable and reflects Ghana’s strong voice on the international stage,” she added.
On economic diplomacy, Professor Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging officials to deepen partnerships that can boost trade and investment and support Ghana’s broader economic transformation.
“The AfCFTA presents enormous opportunities for market access and growth,” she said, urging the Ministry to strengthen partnerships that will boost trade and investment for national development..
She also praised ongoing efforts to improve staff welfare, noting that strong institutions are built not only on performance but also on the wellbeing of the people who keep them running.
“Strong institutions are not built on performance targets alone, but on the wellbeing of the people who drive them,” she emphasised.
The Vice President reaffirmed the Presidency’s commitment to keeping communication lines open with public institutions.
She assured that government would continue to engage actively and remain accessible to institutions across the country.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the visit as a significant milestone, noting that it is the first time a female Vice President has engaged the Ministry in such an interactive manner.
He said the occasion was an honour for the Ministry, highlighting its importance as a moment of recognition and engagement at the highest level of government.
He highlighted several key reforms in passport administration, including the rollout of chip-embedded passports, reduced processing fees, and the introduction of a one-day emergency service. He added that passport application centres have now been established in all 16 regions, making the process more accessible to citizens across the country.
Government is stepping up efforts to improve passport services and ease travel across Africa, with a series of new reforms already underway.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the country has introduced chip-embedded passports, reduced processing fees, and launched a one-day emergency service to speed up applications. Passport centres have also been expanded to all sixteen regions to improve access nationwide.
He further revealed that Ghana has made steady progress in securing visa waiver agreements, with plans to roll out a visa-free policy for African travellers starting May 2026.
“We have made significant progress in securing visa waiver agreements and will commence a visa-free policy for Africans effective May 2026,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chief Director at the Ministry, Khadija Iddrisu, reaffirmed the commitment of staff to delivering on the Ministry’s mandate.
She assured the Vice President of their continued dedication to supporting government efforts aimed at building a better Ghana.