Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is set to appear before Parliament this week to explain the events surrounding the temporary closure and recent reopening of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Minister plans to detail the remedial steps taken by the Ministry to address the misconduct and operational failures that led to the shutdown.
The embassy was recently reopened after what Ablakwa describes as a successful systems overhaul and institutional “fumigation.” He revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that over 800 visas were issued on the first day of resumption, praising the new team of diplomats for their efficiency and professionalism.
“This is a testament that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” he noted.
The closure, announced via social media, sparked backlash from the Minority Caucus in Parliament, who accused the Minister of acting unilaterally without first consulting the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, Ranking Member on the Committee, said the decision was hasty and risked damaging Ghana’s international image.
Jinapor stressed the importance of proper diplomatic procedures and warned that such actions carry long-term implications for Ghanaians abroad.
Ablakwa has since pushed back on criticism, clarifying that no new recruits have replaced former embassy staff. He stated that the current team consists of “distinguished and astute diplomats” capable of driving the reform agenda.
He also disclosed that the government has voided a 2023 illegal agreement allegedly made between Fred Kwarteng, the embassy’s former IT head, and a senior official. Additionally, accounts have been frozen, with more revelations expected in his upcoming Parliamentary address.
Stay tuned for the full briefing expected next week.
