Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is the Minister of Foreign Affairs
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has responded to criticism from the Minority in Parliament regarding his recent absence from the House to address scheduled parliamentary questions.
In an official response on June 12, 2025, and signed by Chief Director Ambassador Ramses J Cleland, the ministry explained that the invitation from Parliament was received late on June 9, 2025, a day before the minister was expected to appear before the House.
The statement, which was shared on Ablakwa’s social media, indicated that the minister was unable to honour the invitation because he was on an official duty in Changsha, China, attending the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) alongside members of Parliament’s Select Committee on Foreign Affairs.
“Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes to Parliament on this week’s controversy about my unavailability to respond to Parliamentary questions. For the record, I had no knowledge of the parliamentary invitation. I will always avail myself for parliamentary questions as I have done diligently and consistently. My high regard and utmost respect for Parliament and the Speaker cannot be questioned, and I am ready to respond to the questions on issues when Parliament’s notice is brought to my attention. For God and country,” the statement read.
The ministry further clarified that Ablakwa’s absence was not deliberate as he was on official duty at the time the invitation was sent, hence resulting in his absence from Parliament.
“The minister had no knowledge of this invitation when the matter came up on the floor of Parliament,” the statement said.
The ministry has since requested that a new date be scheduled for the Minister to appear before Parliament and respond to all outstanding questions.
AS/VPO
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