President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major shift in Ghana’s diplomatic infrastructure, declaring an end to the country’s $15 million annual expenditure on renting properties abroad for its missions.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed ambassadors on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Mahama described the practice as “wasteful and unsustainable,” unveiling a new framework under the Reset Agenda called the Strategic Transition from Rental to Developing (STRIDE) policy.
“Ghana cannot continue spending more than $15 million every year on renting properties abroad for our diplomatic use. This is not a judicious use of taxpayers’ resources,” he said.
The President confirmed Cabinet approval of the STRIDE policy and revealed that key steps are already underway.
“From my latest briefing, a transaction advisor has been appointed, standard developments are being prepared, and funding mechanisms are already being negotiated.”
The STRIDE policy aims to house Ghana’s foreign missions in state-owned properties, cutting costs and enhancing the country’s global image.
“This shift will ensure that our missions abroad are housed in proper homes owned by the republic, reducing wasteful expenditure while safeguarding Ghana’s dignity on the international stage”.
