The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has urged Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to adopt a more tactful and consultative approach in executing his duties—warning against the growing use of social media for major foreign policy announcements.
Their concerns follow the recent closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., which was announced by the Minister via Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), amid allegations of corruption and abuse of office at the Mission.
Led by Ranking Member Samuel A. Jinapor, the Minority on Tuesday, May 27, criticised the approach as a sharp departure from Ghana’s tradition of quiet diplomacy.
“We were utterly shocked and surprised to learn of the decision through public announcements, rather than through prior engagement with the Foreign Affairs Committee,” Jinapor said.
“Such a significant action should have been preceded by a briefing to the committee and addressed through tactful diplomatic channels.”
While agreeing that accountability is essential, the caucus insisted that such matters should be managed discreetly to protect Ghana’s reputation and avoid undermining the morale of foreign service officers.
“This approach has far-reaching repercussions on the morale of our foreign service officers, on the reputation of our country, and on the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad,” Jinapor noted.
They clarified that their concern is not about shielding wrongdoing, but about ensuring diplomacy is not reduced to “public spectacle or political posturing.”
The caucus also raised issues with the rollout of chip-embedded passports and inconsistent processing timelines, citing poor communication and lack of consultation.
“International relations require tact, quiet negotiation, and consistency,” Jinapor added. “Diplomacy is not an arena for political point-scoring or hasty announcements. It is a space for calm, careful maneuvering that protects the nation’s long-term interests.”
He also disclosed that even some Majority MPs on the committee were unaware of the embassy closure in advance, describing the situation as alarming.
The Minority concluded by urging the Minister to respect institutional processes and strengthen collaboration with Parliament.
“We believe that with greater engagement, more diplomacy, and less populism, Ghana’s image will be preserved and enhanced,” Jinapor stated. “We trust the Minister will take these concerns into account moving forward.”
The Ministry has since confirmed the embassy in Washington, D.C. will reopen on Thursday, May 29, 2025.
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington D.C. to reopen on May 29