Ghana's New York Mission Building Underutilised

Ghana’s mission building in New York is significantly underused. This has caused disappointment for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament. The Committee wants the facility fully operational immediately. The 14-storey building has been mostly empty since 2007. Reports suggest insulation materials were removed. This made the building less functional. Only four floors are currently in use, leaving 10 floors idle. This is in a prime New York City location. The PAC stated this represents a big loss. It is a loss of potential income for Ghana. The Auditor-General’s report also noted problems. The building has structural issues. Its external fittings are damaged. The government may need to fund repairs. PAC members are worried. Successive governments have not found ways to use the building. They have not leased it out. This could generate funds for Ghana’s foreign missions. These funds are called internally generated funds, or IGF. Members of the committee called it a missed opportunity. They noted Ghana spends money on rented offices abroad. This happens while this building sits empty. The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, spoke to the PAC. He said steps are being taken to fix the situation. More floors are being brought into use. About four more floors are now active. This is part of a plan to use the building more. Mr. Quayson assured the committee of government commitment. Processes are underway to fix and expand its use. However, the PAC remains concerned. They described it as long neglect. It is a valuable national asset. The committee urges swift action. They want to reverse the neglect. They want better value for the money spent.