Ghana’s High Commissioner-designate to the Republic of South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, has disclosed that for the very first time in the country’s history, ambassadors will be given Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to guide and measure their impact.
According to him, this new direction marks a decisive break from the traditional diplomatic structure where envoys were not strictly evaluated on measurable outcomes.
The introduction of KPIs for ambassadors is expected to enhance accountability, modernize Ghana’s diplomacy, and align the country’s foreign policy with the broader “reset agenda.”
Mr. Quashie has stressed that under this new arrangement, diplomats will no longer be able to assume ambassadorial roles without delivering tangible results.
“It’s not going to be the usual ambassadorial position where you sit and not do anything. For the first time in the history of our country, there are going to be KPIs given to every ambassador. You will need to perform. There are targets. It’s going to be a case-by-case situation,” he said.
“It’s not going to be a general thing where you think you can hide behind and not do anything. This time, you have to perform,” he stressed.
Speaking in an interview on Yen Nsempa on Onua FM Tuesday, August 26, 2025, he highlighted that this comes in line to the new vision being championed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
“The Minister has indicated that we will do a different kind of diplomacy, one we have not seen in a very long time. If you realize, we are still aligned with Kwame Nkrumah’s foreign policy, which is what we have used till this day. The Honorable Foreign Minister has indicated that there are going to be some amendments to this, amending our foreign relations in line with the reset agenda,” he explained.
On his specific role in South Africa, Mr. Quashie reaffirmed his commitment to the well-being of Ghanaians in that country and to strengthening bilateral relations.
“At the end of the day, I want the good people of Ghana in South Africa to be well taken care of and safe, as well as ensure the people of South Africa are also taken care of so that we have balanced trade,” he said.
From September 1 to 5, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration will organise an orientation and workshop for all Ambassadors, High Commissioner Designate, and Consul-Generals.
Mr. Quashie expressed optimism that shortly after the training, they will be sworn into office to officially commence their duties.
By Lois Ama Dogbe|OnuaFM
