Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has provided Parliament with an update on the status of the Malian Ambassador's residence, which was demolished to make way for the National Cathedral project at Ridge.
During her address, Madam Botchwey revealed that there existed a reciprocal exchange residential property arrangement between the governments of Ghana and Mali. Under this agreement, the Government of Mali utilized the acquired building in Accra as the residence of the Malian Ambassador.
Responding to a question posed by Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding the relocation of the Malian Ambassador's residence and associated costs to the Ghanaian taxpayer, Madam Botchwey shed light on the matter.
The Minister explained that due to the Malian Embassy's intention to redevelop the residency with approval from its government, the Ambassador was relocated to a new residence. Consequently, the unoccupied building fell into disrepair.
During this period, while awaiting a response from Mali's capital regarding the redevelopment, the Office of the President issued a directive demarcating the land for the National Cathedral construction. In accordance with this directive, the Ghanaian government compensated the Malian Embassy by facilitating the allocation of a replacement piece of land at the Airport Residential Area in Accra.
Madam Botchwey further disclosed that the Malian Embassy covered administrative fees and other charges totalling GH¢33,800.00 to the Lands Commission for the acquisition of the replacement land.
The Minister's comprehensive update provides clarity on the sequence of events and the arrangements made regarding the relocation of the Malian Ambassador's residence, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.