The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has boosted staff welfare and operational efficiency with the addition of six new buses to its transport fleet, a move aimed at easing the daily commuting challenges faced by workers, particularly junior staff.
The buses were officially commissioned in Accra by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said the intervention was informed by concerns raised by staff shortly after he assumed office. He recalled that transportation difficulties featured prominently during his first engagement with workers at the Ministry, prompting a commitment to address the issue within his first year.
According to the minister, congested public transport and long commuting hours in Accra had been taking a toll on staff morale, punctuality, and productivity. He said the new buses would help reduce fatigue associated with daily travel, allowing workers to arrive at work better prepared for their duties.
The six vehicles are fully air-conditioned 29-seater Toyota Coaster buses, manufactured in 2025 and procured through a competitive process in compliance with public procurement regulations. Mr. Ablakwa explained that the Ministry provided detailed specifications to ensure comfort, durability, and value for money.
Beyond staff transportation, the minister noted that the buses would also support the Ministry’s operational needs, including protocol duties and logistical arrangements for official events and visiting delegations. He said their delivery was timely, coinciding with a busy period marked by end-of-year diplomatic engagements, international meetings, and the Ministry’s Diaspora Summit.
Mr. Ablakwa urged drivers assigned to the vehicles to observe road safety rules and conduct themselves professionally, stressing that their behaviour reflected on the image of the Ministry. He also directed the Estate and General Services Bureau to enforce a strict maintenance regime to ensure the longevity of the buses.
The Chief Director of the Ministry, Ambassador Khadija Iddrisu, welcomed the development and assured staff that management would ensure the buses were properly used and maintained. She said safeguarding the investment was a priority to guarantee long-term benefits for the Ministry.
Madam Ninette Ivo, a Director at the Estate and General Services Bureau, described the commissioning as a significant milestone, noting that staff raised the transportation challenge earlier this year. She praised the minister’s swift response, describing it as an example of responsive and people-focused leadership.
She said the availability of official transport would not only improve punctuality and productivity but also foster stronger camaraderie among staff through shared commutes. She encouraged both drivers and passengers to take collective responsibility for the upkeep of the buses.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to improve working conditions, strengthen institutional effectiveness, and enhance service delivery.
