Ablakwa Must Go – Minority to Mahama

The Minority in Parliament has called on President John Dramani Mahama to immediately remove Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from his position as Minister for Foreign Affairs, accusing him of incompetence and failing to manage Ghana’s international relations effectively.

Addressing the media in Accra on Tuesday, January 20, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, said Ghana could not continue on its current foreign policy path. He argued that the national interest, the welfare of Ghanaians, and the country’s international reputation all demanded urgent change at the Foreign Ministry.

Ayeh accused the Foreign Minister of lacking the temperament required to manage complex bilateral relations. He also claimed that Ablakwa had prioritised public applause over concrete achievements and had demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt that he was no longer fit for the role.

“The Minority therefore calls on the President to remove Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from the Foreign Affairs portfolio immediately and appoint a competent diplomat with proven experience, steady judgment and a genuine commitment to Ghana’s long-term interests over personal political theatre,” he stated.

According to Ayeh, the Minority has lost confidence in the Foreign Minister’s ability to protect Ghana’s diplomatic and economic interests, particularly in relation to recent developments with the United States. The Minority is also demanding urgent public accountability from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within seven days.

He said the Ministry must organise a comprehensive press conference to explain all official communications between Ghana and the United States over the past 18 months regarding migration cooperation, deportation matters, and visa processing. Ayeh also called for clear explanations on the specific reasons given by Washington for including Ghana on a list of 75 countries affected by visa-related restrictions.

In addition, he demanded the Ministry outline any strategy it has in place to ensure Ghana’s removal from the list. He further called for a full accounting of remittance projections and a detailed economic impact assessment of the visa freeze, stressing that the policy could have serious consequences for millions of Ghanaian families who depend on remittances from abroad.

The Minority’s criticism comes amid a major shift in U.S. immigration policy. In January 2026, the U.S. State Department announced it would pause immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana, indefinitely, citing concerns that applicants might become dependent on public benefits and that further review of screening procedures was needed.

Ayeh emphasised the need for competence in diplomacy: “A competent Foreign Minister engages quietly, anticipates challenges, and preserves alliances. Mr Ablakwa has chosen confrontation over negotiation, and public theatrics over professional discretion. The cost has been borne by our people and our economy.”

He compared the current situation to the conduct of past Ghanaian diplomats: “Ghanaians like Kofi Annan, Muhammad Mumuni, and Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey knew that influence is earned through reliability, not volume or social media applause. Our nation deserves no less today.”

The Minority concluded by urging decisive action: “President Mahama must act decisively. This Minister has demonstrated he lacks the temperament and competence for the office. Ghana’s reputation and the welfare of our citizens demand immediate change.”