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The Minority Caucus in Parliament has formally called on President John Mahama to immediately remove Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from office, citing what it describes as reckless diplomacy that has damaged Ghana’s international standing.
Addressing an emergency press conference in Accra, the Minority said the Minister’s conduct has contributed to the United States’ decision to place an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for Ghanaians, a move they argue carries serious consequences for citizens and the national economy.
According to the caucus, the visa freeze has left families separated and disrupted the plans of professionals who had followed lawful processes to relocate abroad, while also threatening remittance inflows that support households and businesses across the country.
“The national interest demands change. The welfare of millions of Ghanaians demands it, and Ghana’s reputation in the world demands it,” the Minority said, adding that the Foreign Minister “has demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he lacks the temperament and judgment required for the office.”
The Minority accused the Foreign Minister of prioritising public confrontation and media theatrics over quiet, professional diplomacy, warning that such an approach has strained Ghana’s relations with key international partners, including the United States and Israel.
They further argued that the Minister has failed to anticipate and manage diplomatic risks, despite past experiences where visa restrictions were used as policy tools against Ghana, insisting that proper engagement could have prevented the current situation.
Restating their demand, the caucus said, “The Minority therefore formally calls on Your Excellency to remove Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from the Foreign Affairs portfolio immediately and to appoint in his place a competent diplomat of proven experience, steady judgment, and genuine commitment to Ghana’s long-term interests over personal political theatre.”
The Minority also called for greater accountability from the government, including a detailed public briefing on the circumstances that led to Ghana’s inclusion on the visa freeze list and the steps being taken to reverse the decision.
