FOREIGN MINISTER UPDATE ON MFA FIRE AND REQUEST FOR

UNCLAS ACCRA 001139

SENSITIVE

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (PARA 6)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL GH
SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER UPDATE ON MFA FIRE AND REQUEST FOR
ASSISTANCE

REF: ACCRA 1113


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 6.


2. (SBU) On October 27, Foreign Minister Alhaji Mohammed Mumuni told
the diplomatic corps that the October 14 MFA fire (reftel) resulted
in no injuries or deaths, but that there was significant loss of
equipment, furniture, fixtures, and reference documentation. Mumuni
said that 80% of the building was destroyed, and that President
Mills has appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the fire,
determine the extent of loss and damage, and to assess the disaster
readiness of Ghana's Fire Service.


3. (SBU) The FM specifically requested assistance from the
diplomatic corps to reconstruct the Ministry's archives of historic
documents. He requested copies of documents relating to bilateral
agreements, exchanges of notes, and other transactions between
governments, particularly from the last five years. Mumuni noted
that one older building at the MFA was not damaged in the fire; it
houses the MFA's legal and consular offices.


4. (SBU) Mumuni said that President had established the following
broad outline for MFA goals:

-- In the short-term ("the next couple of weeks"),the Ministry will
use the International Conference Center (ICC) as temporary office
space. [Note: On October 28, Poloff met with the head of the
America's Desk at the ICC in our first official meeting with MFA
officials since the fire. End Note];

-- In the medium-term, the government will form a team to survey
suitable premises for the Ministry;

-- In the long-term, the government plans to construct a new office
complex for the MFA. Mumuni noted that the GOG has long planned a
new building, but that the plan had been shelved. It is now being
reviewed.


5. (SBU) The FM stressed that the Ministry would welcome any form of
assistance from friends. In addition to help reconstructing their
documentary archives, Mumuni said that donations of any kind
(equipment or other assistance) would be appreciated.


6. (SBU) Action Request: Post requests the Department's assistance
in reviewing the GOG request for help in reconstructing the MFA's
documentary archives, and determining whether we can provide copies
of documents regarding U.S.-Ghana bilateral relations. Post also
requests Department guidance on responding to Ghana's request for
material or other assistance to help stand-up the Ministry.

FURUTA-TOY