Ghana’s government spends an estimated GHS 25 million annually on 18 newly created Deputy Ambassador and Deputy High Commissioner positions. This expenditure includes significant salaries, allowances, and extensive benefits for each diplomat. Member of Parliament for Ofoase Ayeribi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, revealed these figures, directly challenging the government’s claims of reducing state running costs.
These substantial costs arise from various benefits provided to the newly appointed diplomats. Each Deputy Ambassador or High Commissioner receives a monthly basic salary of US$3,639.58, plus a US$150 clothing allowance. This totals approximately US$45,475 annually per officer, converting to about GHS 537,000. These figures exclude numerous additional benefits, including child support, education grants, and fully furnished accommodation.
This spending occurs amidst claims by the current government that it had successfully reduced the size of government and consequently administrative costs. However, critics, including Mr. Nkrumah, argue that public spending has merely shifted. Instead of reducing costs, the government appears to have reallocated expenditures from domestic ministerial roles to overseas diplomatic postings. This situation raises important questions about the transparency and effectiveness of government cost-cutting measures.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah detailed these findings based on information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) request. He filed this request in January 2026 and only received a response in June, reportedly after threatening legal action. He stated, “Per the disclosed figures, each Deputy Ambassador or Deputy High Commissioner receives a monthly basic salary of about US$3,639.58, along with a US$150 clothing allowance.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed these benefits in response to the RTI request. These benefits include foreign service allowances, state-provided accommodation, official vehicles with drivers and fuel, and full medical cover for the officers and their immediate families. The Ministry also provides domestic staff support, quarterly education grants, and warm clothing allowances for postings in colder regions. While monetary values for some benefits like accommodation and transport were not fully disclosed, estimates place the total annual expenditure for the 18 positions between GHS 9.7 million and GHS 25 million.
This significant expenditure on diplomatic roles will likely ignite further public debate on government spending priorities. Decision-makers may face increased scrutiny regarding their efforts to manage public funds and reduce Ghana’s overall cost of governance. Transparency in government expenditure will be a key area to watch as the public seeks clearer justifications for these substantial allocations.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s approach to expenditure will remain a central point of discussion. The impact of these diplomatic postings on the national budget and diplomatic efficiency requires careful monitoring. Investors and the public will pay close attention to future government financial reports for clarity on these expenditure patterns.