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