Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has cancelled his ministry’s planned welcome ceremony organised by staff ahead of his return to Ghana from the UN.
According to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, he would have strongly opposed the planned idea if he had been consulted.
He detailed that his checks from the Ministry’s management indicate that such surprise welcome ceremonies are a tradition of the ministry to celebrate major accomplishments.
In a social media post made on Monday, March 30, 2026, Ablakwa wrote, “I have become aware of an intended surprise welcome by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs scheduled for my arrival in Ghana tomorrow.
My checks with the Ministry’s management indicate that such surprise welcome ceremonies are a tradition of the ministry to celebrate major accomplishments and proud moments for Ghana.
I have expressed my appreciation to management for their thoughtful gesture and instructed that all such plans to offer me a surprise welcome at the Airport be cancelled immediately.
I would have strongly opposed the idea if I had been consulted. This is not a personal victory, and besides, there is more work ahead of us.
God bless all our dynamic and talented staff at the MFA and bless our dear country even more to keep winning on the global stage under the guidance of President John Mahama.
For God, Country and Continent”.
Some Ghanaians reacting to Ablawka’s statement wrote, “What victory sef have you chalked? And masa we all read the letter wai so stop lying, you instructed them to do so. You are a stinking populist!”.
“Herrrh!! Is @S_OkudzetoAblak a Ghanaian (African) at all? A minister who does not want his staff to see him off at the airport and welcome him back with fanfare? What is happening? He clearly does not know how to “chop” the ministerial post. He should resign!”, a netizen added.
“That’s a very statesmanlike move. Turning down a celebratory welcome sends a clear message: focus on the work, not the spotlight. It shows humility, discipline, and an understanding that public service isn’t about personal glorification. Moments like this build credibility, leadership that puts country over ceremony always stands out”, another X user added.
A netizen quizzed, “A circular signed ‘for the Minister’, and you claim you’re not aware? We’re very much enlightened about public service operations.
Keep throwing people under the bus for populist gains! You did the same to the DVLA boss. Keep on Hon!”.
“Honourable, please i think you could’ve say this to the people involve off social media because i don’t see the need for this tweet. Must everything be on social media? Are you saying this here for Ghanaians to applaud you or what exactly is the rationale behind this tweet?”, a netizen added.
One more Ghanaian added, “I agree with you. Whoever thought of such an idea is a sycophant. We waste productive hours on useless things. What is the relevance of a staff meeting for a Minister arriving from a trip? Is he the President/Vice? Such welcomes should be reserved for only the President & Vice President”.
See the post below:
I have become aware of an intended surprise welcome by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs scheduled for my arrival in Ghana tomorrow.
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) March 29, 2026
My checks with the Ministry’s management indicate that such surprise welcome ceremonies are a tradition of the ministry to celebrate major…