Accra, Ghana – In a significant move aimed at reinforcing Ghana’s diplomatic capabilities, the Council on Foreign Relations, Ghana (CFR Ghana) paid a courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzato Ablakwa (MP) on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
The high-level meeting highlighted strategic collaborations to bolster the country’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy objectives.
A five-member CFR Ghana delegation, led by Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere and including Ambassadors Kwame Tenkorang, Akua Dansua, Yaw Odei Asare, and Lady-Ann Essuman, arrived at the Ministry to discuss shared interests and innovative ways to enhance Ghana’s international standing.
The Minister welcomed the delegation warmly, expressing his gratitude for their visit and reaffirming his commitment to continuous engagement with the Council.
Minister Ablakwa briefed the CFR delegation during the meeting on several key developments. He highlighted the outcomes of his recent courtesy calls with former Ministers of Foreign Affairs.
He detailed his participation in the African Union’s 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council meetings in Addis Ababa.
The sessions resulted in the election of three Ghanaians to serve in various capacities at the African Union Commission, underscoring Ghana’s growing influence on the continent.
The Minister also elaborated on the Ministry’s latest initiatives, which include the constitution of an Advisory Board that will draw on the expertise of experienced professionals to review Ghana’s foreign policy directives.
New Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Ambassadors are set to be introduced, designed to steer the country’s diplomats in achieving strategic foreign policy and economic diplomacy goals.
In a further testament to his forward-thinking approach, Minister Ablakwa noted that consultations would soon be underway regarding the full operationalisation of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), envisioned as a centre of excellence for diplomatic training in the region.
Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, speaking on behalf of CFR Ghana, extended heartfelt congratulations to the Minister and commended the Foreign Ministry for nurturing one of the most professional diplomatic groups in the country.
He acknowledged the longstanding support that the Ministry has provided to CFR Ghana since its inception and emphasized the Council’s readiness to collaborate in developing the curriculum for the Foreign Service Institute.
CFR Ghana, an independent, non-partisan policy think-tank specialising in Ghana’s foreign policy and international affairs, particularly within the West African sub-region, reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Ministry to harness collective expertise for national and regional diplomatic advancement.
As Ghana continues to navigate complex international challenges, the strategic partnership between CFR Ghana and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signals a renewed focus on effective diplomacy and robust foreign policy formulation, setting the stage for a strengthened global presence in the years ahead.
Story By: Robicon Mornahson
