Okudzeto Ablakwa Should Withdraw the Diplomatic Passport of Nana Addo – Rexford Agyei

Rexford Agyei has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to consider withdrawing the diplomatic passports held by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. In an Official Facebook Post on 3 November 2026, Agyei questioned the continued possession of the travel documents by the two former leaders, arguing that they were no longer serving the interests of Ghanaians.

In his post, Agyei asked: “Am I permitted to request Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to withdraw the diplomatic passport of Nana Addo and Bawumia since they’re of no use to Ghanaians.”

The comments represent a political demand directed at Ablakwa, who oversees Ghana’s foreign affairs and is responsible for matters relating to diplomatic and official travel documents.

Agyei’s argument appears to be linked to the ongoing public debate about the issuance, eligibility and use of diplomatic and service passports in Ghana. The issue has attracted attention following discussions about who qualifies to hold such documents and whether their continued possession by certain individuals serves a legitimate national or official purpose.

By specifically mentioning Akufo-Addo and Bawumia, Agyei has extended the debate to two prominent figures of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), both of whom previously occupied the highest levels of government. His comments suggest that he believes their former positions should not automatically justify the continued use of diplomatic passports.

However, the question of whether a former president or vice-president should retain a diplomatic passport is an administrative and legal matter that must be determined by the applicable rules and the relevant authorities. Diplomatic passports are official travel documents, and their issuance or withdrawal should be based on established eligibility requirements rather than political disagreements or personal assessments of an individual’s contribution to the country.

The discussion also raises a broader question about the distinction between diplomatic privilege and public service. While diplomatic passports can facilitate official international engagements, their allocation must be guided by clearly defined criteria to prevent misuse and ensure that the documents serve legitimate national interests.

Agyei’s intervention comes amid growing public interest in the management of Ghana’s diplomatic and service passports. The debate has highlighted the importance of transparency in determining who qualifies for these documents, the responsibilities attached to holding them and the circumstances under which they may be withdrawn.

Although his post is framed as a request to the Foreign Affairs Minister, it also reflects a wider political conversation about the privileges enjoyed by former public officials. It remains to be seen whether the minister will consider the specific request or whether the matter will attract further public and political debate.

Ultimately, the issue is not simply about whether former political leaders should retain diplomatic passports. It is about ensuring that the issuance and continued possession of official travel documents follow consistent rules, with no individual receiving special treatment outside the established framework.

Source: Rexford Agyei, Official Facebook Post, 3 November 2026.

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