News:
May 28, 2025
The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has expressed strong reservations over what it describes as the “unilateral and drastic” decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs to temporarily shut down the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., following an alleged misconduct by staff at the mission.
Addressing the media in Parliament on Tuesday, 27, 2025 Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, flanked by fellow Minority members, announced their intention to summon the Foreign Minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to appear before the House to justify his actions.
According to Hon. Jinapor, the Minister’s choice to announce the embassy’s closure via social media—without first consulting the relevant parliamentary committee or employing diplomatic channels—was hasty and potentially damaging to Ghana’s international reputation.
“Whatever happens at the Foreign Ministry, including decisions taken by the Minister, has far-reaching repercussions on the reputation, image, and welfare of Ghanaians across the globe,” Jinapor emphasized.
The Minister had earlier stated on his social media platforms that the Embassy in Washington had been shut down temporarily following investigations that confirmed allegations of fraudulent activity involving staff. He further indicated that all staff at the Mission had been recalled until further notice.
The Minority described this move as an overreaction, especially given the global reliance of Ghanaians on consular services abroad. They called for a more measured and diplomatic approach, referencing how similar cases involving misconduct in other countries had been resolved without resorting to public announcements or closures.
“This kind of populist, grandstanding approach—rushing to the press and social media—has serious implications. Matters of such sensitivity should be managed with tact, diplomacy, and recourse to due process,” the Minority caucus stressed.
They concluded by stating that the decision could undermine Ghana’s foreign policy posture and the credibility of the country’s diplomatic engagements on the global stage.
Ghanamps.com