"We are focused on fostering beneficial trade agreements and equitable economic policies," Mr Ablakwa remarked at the 2025 Exchange of New Year Greetings with Members of the Diplomatic Community in Ghana, the first since President John Dramani Mahama's assumption of office on the 7th of January, for a second term in office.

Mr Ablakwa said central to Ghana's foreign policy was the Government's commitment to being friends to all and enemies to none, upholding respect for sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

He said the Government continued to prioritize strengthening its ties through diplomacy, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Mr Ablakwa said the Government was also working on labour agreements to provide added decent job opportunities which guarantee the dignity and right of the Ghanaian youth.

"In today's digital age, we recognize the importance of digital diplomacy. We are committed to ensuring that technological advancements promote inclusive growth and ethical governance," the Minister said.

"Our goal is to create a digital space that supports equitable access and innovation while protecting rights."
He said the New Year prompted them to reflect on past challenges and achievements and reaffirm their dedication to the principles of the global community.

Despite various global challenges, including conflicts, isolationlisim, transactional diplomacy, and economic crises, their commitment to multilateralism true enduring partnerships and dialogue had remained firm, helping them to navigate the issues together.

He said Ghana remained dedicated to fostering multilateralism and the tenets of diplomacy in the firm belief that isolationism would not serve the African continent well.
He said the array of global challenges they faced, such as terrorism, inequality, and food insecurity, required a collective resolve, and that their continued cooperation with nations
and international bodies like the ECOWAS, the AU, the UN and other global organisations was crucial in addressing the issues and advocating fairer global governance.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana was making efforts to have effective engagements with all relevant international actors and to ratify all international instruments that they had signed onto.
"As we face the realities of climate change, it is imperative to enhance our efforts in environmental sustainability and climate adaptation," the Minister said.

"We are ready to collaborate on initiatives that address this critical issue through sustainable action."
He said global economic uncertainties, cybercrime, terrorism, food insecurity and pandemics were pressing challenges that need a unified response.

Adding that these threats to global stability and security make it clear that comprehensive cooperation and stronger security frameworks were necessary.

"This is why the Ministry is working on a Comprehensive Foreign Policy and has created a Delivery Unit to ensure efficiency and responsiveness in our engagements," he said.

The Minister said having been inundated with complaints from fellow compatriots, the Ministry was entreating all Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to treat Ghanaian nationals, who visit their premises in pursuit of their visa applications with dignity and respect.

He also implored the Members of the Diplomatic Community to provide conducive waiting areas, emergency services, reasonable waiting time for appointments and address challenges in using visa application websites.

He said some diplomatic missions were doing a great job in this regard, for which the Ministry duly conveyed their commendations.

"As we begin this New Year, let us recommit to our goals of dialogue, true partnership, and multilateral engagement. We look forward to deepening our diplomatic and economic relations and advancing our shared objectives for the benefit of our nations and the world."

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was open to the Members of the Diplomatic Community at all times; saying "And I really mean this".