The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has expressed concern at the announcement of the closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC, as revealed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on his Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Minority Caucus, the decision to close the Embassy, along with the manner in which it was announced, was not only rushed and knee-jerk but also a populist action that tarnishes the nation’s reputation.
The Minority in a statement issued on Thursday, May 29, 2025, indicated that the embassy closure had diverse implications for foreign policy and diplomatic relations with other nations, particularly the United States of America, as well as the welfare of Ghanaians around the globe.
The statement highlighted that the decision to close the embassy was poorly considered, diplomatically improper, procedurally flawed, and strategically unwise.
They noted that this is not the first instance of a Foreign Service Officer or employee of foreign missions being involved in malfeasance or corrupt practices. Such matters should be addressed in a manner that safeguards the reputation of the state.
“In the past, persons found to be involved in such acts have been recalled, investigated, and in some cases prosecuted without making a fanfare out of it. This is in no way to justify the actions of the individual(s) involved in the alleged criminal conduct.
“We fully support any action that will lead to a full investigation into the matter and ensure accountability. But in so doing, it is important that we do not resort to knee-jerk actions that bring the name of our country into disrepute,” it stated.
The statement further condemned the declaration regarding foreign missions on Facebook, emphasising that such an approach lacks broader engagement through official diplomatic channels.
This action offends international norms and risks undermining Ghana’s credibility on the global stage.
Moreover, the sweeping nature of the measures taken by the Minister, including the suspension of all local staff, the dissolution of the IT department, and the immediate recall of foreign service officers, along with the manner in which these decisions were communicated, has regrettably cast a shadow over the collective integrity of Ghana’s Foreign Service and its dedicated officers.
This was issued and signed by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Daongo Constituency and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Samuel A. Jinapor.
