Ghana’s foreign policy has consistently mirrored its domestic priorities, evolving with the changing global environment. Anchored in principles such as good neighborliness, regional integration, and economic diplomacy, Ghana’s international engagement has been guided by its 1992 Constitution in the 4th republic. As the country approaches its 2024 general elections, the foreign policy visions of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) offer voters contrasting pathways shaped by their distinct governance philosophies.
The NPP, rooted in liberal economic principles, aims to integrate Ghana into global markets by prioritizing economic diplomacy, digital transformation, and trade facilitation. The party emphasizes the modernization of diplomatic operations, leveraging digital technologies, and restructuring Ghana’s foreign service to foster efficiency. Trade remains a cornerstone of its vision, with plans to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that would attract investment and strengthen trade with emerging markets like Asia and the Caribbean. These initiatives are ambitious and innovative but require significant resources and prioritization to prevent overextension.
In contrast, the NDC’s social democratic philosophy focuses on institutional reform and inclusivity. The party proposes a long-term vision for Ghana’s global engagement. Their Comprehensive Foreign Policy (CFP) proposal reflects a commitment to guiding diplomats with clear frameworks while improving consular services for citizens abroad. The NDC emphasizes Pan-Africanism and seeks to deepen Ghana’s leadership in regional integration, particularly through institutional strengthening within ECOWAS. Moreover, they advocate for diaspora engagement, with a focus on inclusivity and the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad. The NDC’s vision, while cost-effective and actionable, relies heavily on collaboration with regional and international partners to achieve its goals.
Regional Cooperation
Both parties prioritize regional cooperation but differ in their methods. The NPP’s foreign policy takes a pragmatic stance, proposing cost-sharing agreements with other African nations to optimize diplomatic expenditures while bolstering security through frameworks like the Accra Initiative. The NPP’s manifesto also highlights the need for deeper collaboration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU). It proposes supporting reforms in these bodies to make them more efficient and responsive to the challenges faced by member states.
The NDC, however, adopts a structural approach by prioritizing institutional reforms in ECOWAS and reactivating the Permanent Joint Commissions for Cooperation (PJCC) to promote good neighborliness, peace, security, and economic development. The NDC stresses reestablishing Ghana’s leadership in ECOWAS and reengineering its institutions to better serve Ghana’s national interest while advancing regional integration
Strengthening Ghana’s Foreign Service
The need to strengthen Ghana’s foreign service and global representation features prominently in both manifestos. The NPP proposes capacity-building measures such as enhancing bilingual skills to improve engagement with Francophone and global partners. It also emphasizes empowering women in diplomacy. This initiative is practical and aligns with global gender equity goals, but its success depends on sustained resource allocation. Their proposal to establish a Ghana Foreign Service (GFS) further aims to professionalize diplomatic operations by separating policy formulation from service delivery. However, this ambitious reform would require constitutional and institutional changes that may delay its implementation.
The NDC, on the other hand, focuses on career progression for diplomats to ensure that seasoned professionals are appointed to ambassadorial roles. Their plans to improve asset management and decentralize consular services highlight a commitment to addressing operational inefficiencies and enhancing service delivery for Ghanaians abroad. The NDC’s approach, leveraging existing systems and resources, appears more practical and cost-effective in the short term.
Peace and Security
Peace and security also remain critical areas for both parties, though their strategies diverge. The NPP emphasizes counterterrorism and regional security collaboration. The party hopes to enhance security cooperation within West Africa, particularly through the Accra Initiative, a regional collaboration aimed at combating terrorism. They also aim to build community resilience by promoting entrepreneurship among women and fostering local development to prevent radicalization. While innovative, this approach requires substantial investment in education, infrastructure, and community support systems. The NDC’s strategy centers on Ghana’s leadership in peacekeeping and conflict resolution. The goal is to strengthen ECOWAS and increase Ghana’s contribution to UN peacekeeping missions to address regional challenges through multilateral collaboration. This aligns with Ghana’s historical role as a leader in peacekeeping but requires funding and coordination with regional partners.
Multilateral Engagement
Multilateral engagement forms a key component of both manifestos. The NPP focuses on enhancing Ghana’s role in global forums like the United Nations, leveraging its recent tenure on the Security Council. Their approach to multilateral diplomacy is immediate and targeted, with emphasis on partnerships with international organizations to address pressing security and economic challenges. Conversely, the NDC’s emphasis on re-engineering ECOWAS reflects a long-term vision for regional stability, addressing systemic issues within existing structures. Both strategies recognize Ghana’s need to maintain its influence in multilateral platforms but differ in their timelines and methods.
As Ghana hits the polls on December 7, the foreign policy proposals of the NPP and NDC present voters with a choice between ambitious innovation and pragmatic institutional reforms. The outcome of this election will not only shape Ghana’s international relations but also its role in regional and global affairs over the next four years. This pivotal development will be closely monitored by the International Perspective for Policy and Governance (IPPG), as we assess its implications for Ghana’s trajectory on the global stage.
By Emmanuella Biney & Nii Ayikwei Quaye (IPPG Research)
