Ablakwa Advised by Minority to Pursue Formal Channels Over Social Media Engagement
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to exercise greater discretion and institutional consultation in handling sensitive diplomatic matters. The group cautioned against what they described as a growing trend of using social media platforms for major foreign policy communications.
The caution follows the Minister’s recent announcement—made via Facebook and X (formerly Twitter)—on the temporary closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. The closure was linked to alleged incidents of corruption and abuse of office at the diplomatic mission. However, the Minority expressed deep concern over the manner in which the news was conveyed, describing it as inconsistent with Ghana’s long-standing practice of measured and quiet diplomacy.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, May 27, Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, stated that the abrupt public disclosure caught members of the Committee off guard, including some from the Majority side. He criticised the decision to bypass parliamentary engagement, describing the move as a deviation from standard diplomatic protocol.
“We were completely taken aback to learn of such a significant decision through public channels,” Jinapor said. “Such a matter warrants prior consultation with the Foreign Affairs Committee and should be addressed using established diplomatic frameworks.”
While acknowledging the importance of accountability in public service, the Minority underscored the need to protect the integrity of Ghana’s foreign policy and the morale of its foreign service personnel.
“Diplomacy requires tact and restraint,” Jinapor remarked. “Announcing these actions on social media not only undermines institutional trust but risks damaging the reputation of the country and diminishing the dignity of our foreign service officers.”
The Minority stressed that their concerns are not rooted in a desire to shield any wrongdoing but in a commitment to ensuring that issues of national interest are handled with the necessary decorum and strategic oversight.
The caucus further expressed unease over recent developments within the Foreign Ministry, particularly concerning the rollout of chip-embedded passports, citing inconsistent processing timelines, inadequate public communication, and poor consultation with stakeholders. They warned that this pattern of unilateral decision-making undermines public confidence in key government services.
“Diplomacy is not a platform for political theatre,” Jinapor added. “It is a domain for careful, behind-the-scenes negotiation that serves Ghana’s long-term strategic interests—not for hasty public statements that could compromise sensitive issues.”
The Minority also pointed out that the embassy closure, though temporary, could have significant implications for Ghanaians living in the United States, especially in accessing consular services. They argued that such disruptions should be handled with foresight and engagement, not surprise announcements.
“We must ensure that Ghanaians abroad are not caught in the crossfire of domestic political signalling. Institutional collaboration must take precedence over populism,” Jinapor emphasized.
The group concluded by urging Minister Ablakwa to deepen his collaboration with Parliament and adhere to established diplomatic norms. They called for a shift towards a more inclusive, consultative, and strategic approach in managing the country’s foreign relations.
“We are confident that with greater coordination, and a return to diplomatic best practices, Ghana’s international standing will be strengthened,” the Ranking Member stated. “We hope the Minister will reflect on these concerns in the national interest.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to resume operations on Thursday, May 29, 2025, following internal reviews and administrative adjustments.
About The Author
