Mahama Grants Duty-Free Vehicle Allowance for Returning Foreign Service Officers

President John Dramani Mahama has introduced a new policy that grants foreign service officers returning from international postings a waiver on import duties and taxes for one vehicle.

He announced the initiative on Tuesday, November 19, while commissioning 11 newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

President Mahama explained that the policy forms part of broader government efforts to boost the foreign service and improve the performance of Ghana’s missions worldwide.

“We understand that our diplomats need strong support in order to carry out their duties effectively. That is why the cabinet has approved improved conditions of service for all Ghanaian diplomats abroad.

“In addition, cabinet has approved a duty- and tax-free import of a single vehicle for foreign service officers coming home after their overseas assignments,” he told the new envoys.

However, he clarified that the waiver comes with restrictions.

“As a condition, the vehicle’s engine capacity must not exceed 2.7 litres. So if you’re thinking about a V8, that won’t qualify,” he added.

President Mahama also revealed that Cabinet has set rent ceilings for Ghana’s foreign missions as part of measures to cut waste and ensure prudent spending.

He emphasised that all missions must fully adhere to the rules governing the updated policy.

The President commissioned the following ambassadors and high commissioners:

• Mrs. Theresa Adjei-Mensah – Ambassador-designate, Czech Republic
• Dr. Felix Kumah Godwin Anebo – Ambassador-designate, Republic of Senegal
• Mrs. Mona Helen Kabuki Quartey – Ambassador-designate, Italian Republic
• Mr. Kenneth Akibate – Ambassador-designate, Burkina Faso
• Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo – High Commissioner-designate, Republic of Kenya
• Prof. Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah – Ambassador-designate, Arab Republic of Egypt
• Brigadier-General Alhassan Abu – Ambassador-designate, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
• Amb. Doris Adzo Denyo Brese – High Commissioner-designate, Commonwealth of Australia
• Ms. Elizabeth Nyantakyi – High Commissioner-designate, Republic of Zambia
• Mr. Eddison Mensah Agbenyegah – Ambassador-designate, Kingdom of the Netherlands
• Mr. Edward Kwaku Cofie – Ambassador-designate, People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria

The newly appointed diplomats are expected to advance Ghana’s interests globally while upholding the administration’s renewed emphasis on accountability, efficiency, and responsible spending.