The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate removal of Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following the United States’ decision to impose an indefinite freeze on immigrant visa processing for Ghanaian nationals.
The Caucus described the development as a major diplomatic failure that threatens Ghana’s economy, families, and international reputation, accusing the Foreign Minister of reckless, confrontational, and unprofessional conduct in the handling of sensitive bilateral relations.
“This visa freeze did not happen in a vacuum. It is the predictable outcome of a pattern of reckless diplomacy, megaphone politics, and poor judgment by the Foreign Minister,” the Minority stated.
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Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh,
warned that the US decision will have severe human and economic consequences, particularly for Ghanaian families awaiting reunification and professionals pursuing lawful migration opportunities.
He noted that Ghana receives billions of dollars annually in remittances, with the United States accounting for the largest share.
“When immigrant visa processing is frozen, you are not just delaying travel; you are endangering family unity and choking a vital economic lifeline,” he said.
According to him, the freeze could reduce remittance inflows that support household incomes, education, healthcare, and small businesses across the country.
The Minority accused Mr Ablakwa of abandoning quiet, professional diplomacy in favour of public confrontation, particularly in dealings with the United States on migration cooperation and deportation matters.
They argued that unresolved technical issues should have been handled through sustained engagement with US agencies rather than public rhetoric.
“Instead of deploying experienced diplomats and technical teams, the Minister chose public posturing, allowing manageable issues to escalate into a diplomatic crisis,” the Caucus said.
As part of what it described as a troubling pattern, Mr. Asafo-Adjei referenced Ghana’s recent diplomatic row with Israel, during which Ghana deported Israeli nationals following the deportation of Ghanaians from Tel Aviv.
The Ranking Member described the action as tit-for-tat diplomacy that undermined Ghana’s image as a predictable and responsible international partner.
“Serious nations do not conduct foreign policy on social media or through impulsive retaliatory gestures,” he added.
The Minority demanded that the Foreign Ministry publicly explain the circumstances that led to Ghana’s inclusion on the US list and outline a clear strategy for restoring normal visa processing.
They also called for the establishment of a high-level technical task force to engage US authorities on migration and consular cooperation.
“Ghanaians deserve transparency, competence, and results, not slogans and spectacle,” the caucus stressed.
Mr. Asafo-Adjei stressed that the Foreign Minister had lost the confidence of Parliament and the Ghanaian people, insisting that his continued stay in office would further damage the country’s interests.
“The Foreign Minister has demonstrated beyond doubt that he lacks the temperament and judgment required for this critical role. In the national interest, he must be removed immediately,” he said.
The Minority also urged President John Dramani Mahama to intervene decisively to restore Ghana’s diplomatic credibility and protect the welfare of citizens affected by the visa freeze.