The minister nominee for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has vowed to prioritise trade diplomacy as a central pillar of Ghana’s foreign policy.

Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee, he reaffirmed the NDC’s commitment, as outlined in its manifesto, to strengthening the country’s trade relationships globally, with a clear focus on boosting economic growth and creating jobs.

“We have said that we will make trade diplomacy a priority,” he stated.

He pointed out that many of Ghana’s foreign missions currently lack trade attachés, and his government plans to appoint qualified individuals to fill these positions.

However, he stressed that it would not simply be about filling roles. “We will also retrain them, build their capacity, and they will be given clear targets,” he added. “It is crucial that these diplomats do not just get posted abroad without us knowing what they are bringing back to the country.”

Mr Ablakwa also raised concerns about the rise of inward-looking policies globally, such as those seen in recent US administration actions, and warned that these policies could affect Africa’s development programmes. He underscored the importance of Ghana shifting to a more self-reliant approach.

“We can no longer rely on handouts or aid from other countries,” he declared. “We must take control of our destiny and forge a path towards self-reliance.” He explained that trade diplomacy would be essential to this vision, as it will help to create jobs, improve living conditions, and lift people out of poverty.

“We will do all of that with clear targets so that trade diplomacy will work for our people, help to improve the living conditions of our people, and create jobs for the people,” he added.

He also referred to the NDC’s manifesto, which outlines a blueprint for economic diplomacy—marking a first in Ghana’s history.

He pledged that his government would implement this plan with clear objectives to ensure trade diplomacy delivers tangible benefits for the people of Ghana.