President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaian Ambassadors and Envoys to align their performance with SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—signalling a shift in the country’s diplomatic strategy towards tangible outcomes.
Speaking at the Ambassador’s Conference held in Accra on Monday 1st September, 2025 which also served as an orientation for newly appointed envoys, President Mahama emphasized that the success of Ghana’s foreign missions will no longer be measured by ceremonial engagements and protocols, but rather by concrete results.
The President announced that Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) would be introduced to evaluate performance across eight critical areas, five of which he identified as top priorities: Economic Diplomacy, Consular Services, Diaspora Engagement, Financial Engagement, Security and Ethical Compliance
“Diplomacy must deliver measurable results. Our missions abroad must become engines for economic transformation, citizen services, and ethical governance,” President Mahama stated.
In response, Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, H.E. Benjamin Kofi Quashie, expressed his full support for the President’s vision. He acknowledged President Mahama’s commitment to youth empowerment, citing his own appointment as an example of that trust.
H.E. Quashie revealed that significant discussions have been held with South African brands, and disclosed plans to initiate talks with retail giant Shoprite about re-entering the Ghanaian market. He also noted that negotiations with MultiChoice, the media conglomerate, are at an advanced stage in resolving ongoing issues with Ghana’s Ministry of Communication.
On matters of security and undocumented Ghanaians residing in South Africa, the High Commissioner shared that the Ghana High Commission is actively collaborating with South Africa’s Ministries of Home Affairs and Police. The goal is to secure visa amnesty and ensure adequate protection for Ghanaian nationals living in the country.
