Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says government will provide consular services for Ghanaian soccer fans and enthusiasts irrespective of their political affiliation to travel to the United States, Mexico, and Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mr Ablakwa gave the assurance on Wednesday during the approval of the Ministry’s budget estimated ending December 31, 2026, by Parliament.
He explained that the Ministry would acquire property to host Ghanaian diplomatic missions abroad, a move aimed at ending the annual payment of $15 million in rent to private landlords.
Touching on infrastructure, Mr Ablakwa announced that the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) would not be demolished but rather renovated, in line with recommendations from Engineering Services Limited following a structural integrity audit.
The Minister emphasised that decisions on foreign affairs would continue to be guided by national interest.
Parliament subsequently approved GHS 1.6 billion for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the 2026 fiscal year.
