The Minority Caucus in parliament has told President John Dramani Mahama to immediately sack Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
According to the Minority Caucus, Ablakwa lacks the temperament and competence as a Foreign Minister.
The minority accused Ablakwa of repeated diplomatic missteps that have led to the recent U.S. visa policy affecting Ghanaian citizens.
The Minority argued that Ablakwa has chosen confrontation over negotiation, citing his public theatrics over professional discretion.
Nana Asafo‑Adjei Ayeh, delivering the minority statement in a press conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, stated, “Ghana has always been a model of stability and reliability abroad”.
“Under this Minister, that reputation is collapsing. We are now listed as a ‘migration risk’ by the United States and facing diplomatic setbacks with Israel and Europe—all preventable.”
He added, “A competent Foreign Minister engages quietly, anticipates challenges, and preserves alliances. Mr Ablakwa has chosen confrontation over negotiation and public theatrics over professional discretion. The cost has been borne by our people and our economy.”
The minority further referenced past Ghanaian diplomats, saying: “Ghanaians like Kofi Annan, Muhammad Mumuni, and Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey knew that influence is earned through reliability, not volume or social media applause. Our nation deserves no less today.”
“President Mahama must act decisively. This Minister has demonstrated he lacks the temperament and competence for the office. Ghana’s reputation and the welfare of our citizens demand immediate change”, he concluded.
The minority comments follow, the Trump administration who had announced that the United States is temporarily halting immigrant visa processing for Ghana, Nigeria and 73 other countries.
According to the U.S. State Department, the move takes effect January 21 and will remain in place indefinitely.
They highlighted that consular officers will reassess how visa applicants are evaluated to determine whether they may become overly dependent on U.S. public welfare systems.
Tommy Piggott, a spokesperson for the State Department, stated the move is intended to protect U.S. public resources.
“The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people,” Piggott told Fox News.
“Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.”
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Victor Smith, Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, has clarified that the United States is only halting immigrant visas.
Ghana’s Ambassador to the US clarified that business or tourism visas, known as B1-B2 visas, remain unaffected by the temporary suspension.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Ghana’s Ambassador to US Victor Smith explained that the directive applies strictly to immigrant visas.
Emmanuel Victor Smith wrote, “The US State Department confirms that B1-B2 visas will continue. Only immigrant visas are being paused”.
Watch the video below:
Minority in Parliament calls for the removal of Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa from office over "reckless diplomacy". #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/xk3s0UF8GI
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) January 20, 2026