The Minister for Foreign Affairs is the Ghana government official who is responsible for overseeing the country's foreign policy and international diplomacy. The foreign minister is usually one of the most senior members of Cabinet.
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Key Responsibilities and Reforms
Since assuming office, the Foreign Affairs Minister has introduced significant reforms. These include the establishment of the Passport Reforms Committee and the Committee on Migration and the Welfare of Ghanaians Abroad. The Ministry's responsibilities are becoming increasingly multifaceted, demanding insightful policy direction, proactive engagement, and institutional adaptability. Other ongoing efforts include the establishment of a Delivery Unit to evaluate performance across Ghana’s foreign missions, and the implementation of 1,000 scholarships for African students in line with Ghana’s Pan-African vision and educational diplomacy.
The Ministry is developing a Comprehensive Foreign Policy Framework and an Economic Diplomacy Blueprint to better align foreign policy with global trends such as climate change, technology, security, and migration. These efforts aim to reposition Ghana’s diplomatic missions as engines for trade, investment, and innovation.
The Ministry has also seen success in securing key diplomatic appointments for Ghanaian professionals at the African Union. Further advancements include the commercial roll-out of chip-embedded biometric passports and Ghana’s progress in digitalising passport services, including a Mobile Passport Application Centre for Hajj pilgrims.
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Ghana's Commitment to African Unity
Ghana's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, James Gyakye Quayson, has stated that Africa’s unity is overdue, highlighting that the implementation of a single currency and the free movement of people should already be in full swing.
During a meeting with members of the Pan-African Parliament Committee on Trade, Customs, and Immigration Matters, Deputy Minister Quayson affirmed Ghana's commitment to honoring its legacy and historical heritage by continuing to lead the way in African integration, enhancing intra-African trade, and facilitating cross-border movement. He emphasized the unique resources of each African country and advocated for greater intra-continental trade to foster self-sufficiency and prosperity.
The Deputy Minister and Members of the Pan-African Parliament reiterated their dedication to advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They pledged to ensure that trade and immigration policies support sustainable development across the continent.
Trade capacity-building programme for Ghana
Appointment of Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey
Commonwealth members have appointed Ghana’s foreign minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the new secretary general, on the final day of the group’s summit in Samoa. Botchwey, a former lawmaker who has served as Ghana’s foreign minister since 2017, has supported calls for reparations for transatlantic slavery and colonialism - a position that was also shared by the two other candidates who had vied for the position. Botchwey said on social media that she was “truly humbled” to have been selected as the incoming secretary general, adding: “The work indeed lies ahead!”
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Focus on Reparations and Climate Crisis
Botchwey was appointed on the closing day of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting (Chogm), which has been dominated by calls for the UK to pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, and by issues relating to the climate crisis. In a communique released on Saturday, heads of government noted “calls for discussions on reparatory justice with regard to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement” and “agreed that the time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity.”
It is unclear what form this conversation will take. The UK government refused to issue an official state apology for its role in the slave trade and has ruled out paying reparations. However, after mounting pressure, a source in No 10 said this week the UK could support some forms of reparatory justice, such as restructuring financial institutions and providing debt relief.
At a debate at London’s Chatham House last month, Botchwey said she stood for reparations, and that the Commonwealth could have a role to play if the member states request a “common voice” on the issue. She said reparatory justice was not only about financial payments but also support to tackle the climate crisis and build countries’ economic resilience. Botchwey has also backed the drafting of a free trade agreement among Commonwealth member states.
Background and Previous Roles
Botchwey, who studied in Ghana and the UK, is a trained lawyer and politician. Prior to her appointment, she served as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration from January 2017 to January 2024 and was a member of Ghana’s National Security Council. During her time as Foreign Minister, she chaired the Council of Ministers of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 2020 to 2022, leading strategic responses to security crises, democratic transitions and regional institutional reform. Earlier in her career, she served as Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Information, and Trade and Industry, during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration (2001-2009).
New Advisory Board Inauguration
The inauguration, held on Friday, May 9, follows the expiration of the previous board’s mandate in December 2024. The new board comprises distinguished professionals from diplomacy, academia, security, civil society, and public administration. The newly inaugurated board is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Ghana’s international relations agenda in the years ahead.
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Composition of the New Advisory Board:
The new Advisory Board is chaired by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah; Minister of Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson; Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; Ambassador Ramses J. Other members are Professor Kwamena Ahwoi, Ambassador Aggrey-Orleans, Ambassador Chris Kpodo, Rev. Helen Adjoa Ntoso, Queenster Maame Pokua Sawyer, and Ambassador Philibert I. K. A.
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Chair | Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa |
| Member | Edward Omane Boamah |
| Member | Cassiel Ato Forson |
| Member | Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare |
| Member | Ambassador Ramses J. Cleland |
| Member | Professor Kwamena Ahwoi |
| Member | Ambassador Aggrey-Orleans |
| Member | Ambassador Chris Kpodo |
| Member | Rev. Helen Adjoa Ntoso |
| Member | Queenster Maame Pokua Sawyer |
| Member | Ambassador Philibert I. K. A. Johnson |
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