The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has condemned the recent closure and abrupt reopening of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., describing the move as diplomatically reckless and an embarrassment to the country’s international reputation.
In a statement issued on May 29 and signed by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the group criticized the government’s decision—announced via Facebook by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa—as rushed, populist, and lacking due diplomatic procedure.
“The decision to close the Embassy, and the manner in which it was announced, was not only a rushed, kneejerk and populist action, but also an embarrassment to the reputation of our country,” the statement read.
The Minority raised concerns over the implications of the move on Ghana’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, and the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad. The reopening of the mission just three days later, according to the statement, was evidence of poor judgment, procedural flaws, and a lack of strategic foresight.
While acknowledging the need to investigate allegations of misconduct involving Foreign Service officers, the Minority argued that the action taken by the Minister cast a negative shadow over the entire Foreign Service.
“This is in no way to justify the actions of the individual(s) involved in the alleged criminal conduct,” the statement clarified. “But in so doing, it is important that we do not resort to kneejerk actions that bring the name of our country into disrepute.”
The statement noted that Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Washington serves critical roles beyond consular services, including trade, investment, and security. Shutting down the entire mission due to the alleged actions of a few individuals was, in the Minority’s view, disproportionate and counterproductive.
Further criticism was directed at the sweeping nature of the Minister’s measures, which included suspending local staff, dissolving the IT department, and ordering the immediate recall of Foreign Service officers. The statement warned that these actions had demoralized staff and tainted the integrity of Ghana’s foreign missions.
The Minority also expressed alarm over plans to cross-post Foreign Service officers who have served more than two years at their current stations, citing potential high fiscal costs and the lack of contingency planning.
“The Republic of Ghana holds a dignified place within the international community… Impulsive declarations risk undermining public confidence, straining diplomatic relations, and diminishing the Republic’s global reputation,” the statement added.
The Minority called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the sector Minister to take immediate steps to restore public confidence and support the morale of the Foreign Service.
They reaffirmed their commitment to holding the government accountable and safeguarding Ghana’s diplomatic credibility both at home and abroad.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
