The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate removal of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accusing him of repeated diplomatic failures that have damaged Ghana’s international standing, following the recent U.S. immigrant visa freeze affecting Ghanaians.
The demand was made at a press conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, addressed by the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, who described the current state of Ghana’s foreign relations as deeply troubling.
“Ghana has always been a model of stability and reliability abroad,” Nana Asafo-Adjei stated. “Under this Minister, that reputation is collapsing. We are now listed as a migration risk by the United States and facing diplomatic setbacks with Israel and Europe—failures that were entirely preventable.”
He argued that effective diplomacy requires tact and foresight, not public confrontation. “A competent Foreign Minister engages quietly, anticipates challenges, and preserves alliances,” he said. “Mr. Ablakwa has chosen confrontation over negotiation, and public theatrics over professional discretion. The cost has been borne by our people and our economy.”
The Minority further compared the current situation with Ghana’s diplomatic past, citing respected figures such as Kofi Annan, Muhammad Mumuni, and Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey as examples of leaders who earned global influence through consistency and reliability rather than public grandstanding.
Concluding its statement, the Caucus urged President John Dramani Mahama to take swift action. “This Minister has demonstrated that he lacks the temperament and competence required for the office. Ghana’s reputation and the welfare of our citizens demand immediate change,” Nana Asafo-Adjei declared.
The Minority’s criticism follows a major policy shift by the U.S. State Department, which in January 2026 announced an indefinite pause on immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana, effective January 21, 2026, citing concerns over public benefit dependency and the need for enhanced screening.
