Former President John Mahama’s decision to appoint Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Ghana’s Foreign Minister has proven to be one of the most damaging choices in recent memory. What was expected to be a strengthening of Ghana’s international standing has instead resulted in a trail of diplomatic blunders, embarrassment, and costly consequences for the nation.
Mr. Ablakwa has consistently shown a lack of diplomatic tact and understanding, placing partisan rhetoric above the careful balance required in global diplomacy. His utterances and one-sided positions on sensitive international matters have not only offended the diplomatic community but also undermined Ghana’s credibility abroad.
The results are painfully evident. The United States has imposed visa restrictions on Ghana, a direct consequence of poor engagement at the highest levels. Ghana has been disqualified from the Millennium Challenge Program, losing vital opportunities for development financing. Worse still, the country stands on the verge of being cut off from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a decision that would severely impact Ghana’s trade and investment prospects.
Even more troubling is Mr. Ablakwa’s readiness to endorse an agreement allowing America to transport prisoners and ex-convicts to Ghana in exchange for financial considerations. This deal, cloaked as diplomacy, is nothing short of a national humiliation and a dangerous compromise of Ghana’s sovereignty.
Ghana’s foreign policy should be rooted in principle, dignity, and foresight. Unfortunately, the current stewardship of the Foreign Ministry has reduced it to a playground of errors, costing the nation dearly. Going forward, leadership in this critical sector must be entrusted to those with competence, tact, and a genuine understanding of the demands of global diplomacy.
Ghana simply cannot afford further missteps.
