The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to preserving Ghana’s diplomatic assets abroad, asserting that no government-owned property in Benin will be sold during his tenure.

His assurance comes as part of renewed efforts to rehabilitate and restore facilities belonging to Ghana’s mission in the West African nation.

As part of a working tour, Mr Ablakwa visited several properties acquired by the Ghanaian state in 1999. Among them was a facility that has remained abandoned since 2019, after a fire incident rendered it uninhabitable due to damage to its electrical system.

The building, like others under the mission, has seen continued deterioration over time.

Of the six properties currently owned by Ghana in Benin, only one lies idle. However, the Minister raised concern over defects identified in some of the recently acquired structures.

These deficiencies, he noted, have forced staff of the mission to secure alternative accommodation at significantly higher rental rates, placing an unnecessary financial strain on the diplomatic service.

Mr Ablakwa emphasised that measures would be taken to renovate, and where necessary, rebuild some of the affected buildings.

These actions, he explained, are part of a broader commitment by the current administration to safeguard national assets and ensure they are used effectively in service of the country’s interests.

Reiterating his stance, the Minister declared, “No property will be sold under my watch.”