Ablakwa Commissions Buses to Aid Foreign Ministry Staff
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has commissioned six new Toyota Coaster buses to ease the transportation difficulties faced by its staff, particularly junior employees, in Accra.
The initiative, unveiled by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, aims to improve staff welfare and enhance productivity by reducing the stress associated with commuting on Accra’s often congested roads.
Mr. Ablakwa stated the buses were a direct response to concerns voiced by staff during his initial interactions upon assuming office earlier this year. “Staff, particularly the junior staff, were concerned about their mode of transport to work and from work,” he recalled, adding, “I promised that within my first year in office, I would ensure that we delivered buses to ease the stress that our hardworking and dynamic staff go through on a daily basis.”
Each of the 2025-model buses boasts 29 fully air-conditioned seats, and were procured through a competitive bidding process in compliance with Ghana’s public procurement regulations. The Ministry, according to Mr Ablakwa, provided detailed specifications to guarantee both comfort and value for money.
The Minister highlighted the importance of this intervention, observing that it addresses a broader issue of inadequate urban transport in Ghana, which significantly impacts workers’ well-being and performance. “I am delighted that we in the Foreign Ministry have been able to lift that burden and ease the stress our colleagues were facing when commuting,” he said.
Beyond daily commutes, the buses will also support the Ministry’s operational requirements, including logistical support for official events and visiting delegations, with their delivery coinciding with a period of increased activity, including the Ministry’s Diaspora Summit.
Mr. Ablakwa urged drivers to prioritize road safety and uphold the Ministry’s image, emphasizing that any misconduct would be reported. He also tasked the Estate and General Services Bureau with establishing a robust maintenance plan to guarantee the vehicles’ longevity.
Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, Chief Director of the Ministry, assured the Minister that management would ensure the effective use and maintenance of the buses, implementing a strict schedule to safeguard the investment.
Madam Ninette Ivo, a Director at the Estate and General Services Bureau, described the commissioning as a “remarkable end to the year,” praising the Minister’s swift action in addressing the transportation concerns raised just ten months prior, in February 2025. “These buses are an investment in staff welfare, punctuality and productivity,” she said. She also noted the positive impact on staff morale and community within the Ministry.
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