North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns about the timing of President Akufo-Addo's recent appointment of nine new envoys, questioning the decision with only six months remaining in his term.

The newly appointed envoys are:

Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, High Commissioner-designate to Nigeria

Mrs. Francisca Ashietey-Oduntun, High Commissioner-designate to South Africa

Mr. Ernest Yaw Amporful, High Commissioner-designate to Rwanda

Major General Nicholas Peter Andoh, Ambassador-designate to Türkiye

Mr. Henry Tachie-Menson, Ambassador-designate to Belgium and the EU

Mrs. Charity Gbedawo, Ambassador-designate to Morocco

Ms. Abigail Naa Adzoko Kwashi, Ambassador-designate to Norway

Dr. Robert Afriyie, Ambassador-designate to Ethiopia and the African Union

Nana Bediatuo Asante, Ambassador-at-Large

Mr Ablakwa pointed out that it typically takes more than four months for diplomatic envoys to receive full accreditation to commence their duties, suggesting that these appointments may be rendered redundant as Ghana’s next President, under Article 74 of the 1992 Constitution, will have the authority to appoint new Ambassadors and High Commissioners.

He argued that only Nana Bediatuo Asante, as Ambassador-at-Large, would benefit from these appointments since he does not require host nation accreditation.

Mr Ablakwa also highlighted the financial burden these appointments would place on the country's struggling economy.

He noted that while waiting for their accreditations, the newly appointed envoys would immediately impose significant financial costs on taxpayers adding that this comes at a time when Ghana’s foreign service staff are facing worsening conditions of service, delayed salaries, rent arrears, inadequate residential accommodation, and a lack of a consular affairs budget.

He also stressed the ongoing struggles of Ghanaian students abroad on government scholarships, who continue to seek government assistance.

Mr Ablakwa argued that these diplomatic issues require urgent presidential attention rather than the appointment of new ambassadors and high commissioners who may not be accredited before President Akufo-Addo's term ends.

He further criticised the appointments as potentially nepotistic and urged the President to reconsider his priorities.