The Minority New Patriotic Party (NPP) Caucus in Parliament has called for the immediate dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, holding him directly responsible for Ghana’s inclusion on a new United States immigrant visa suspension list.
The suspension, enacted under U.S. Presidential Proclamation 10998, is set to commence on January 21, 2026, and halts immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana.
At a press conference in Parliament House on Tuesday, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, launched a sharp critique against the Minister.
He alleged that Mr. Ablakwa’s “temperamental and uncivilised diplomatic utterances” were the primary cause of the diplomatic rift leading to the visa freeze.
The Minority contends that the indefinite suspension is a direct result of poor diplomatic conduct, which now leaves Ghanaian families and professionals seeking permanent U.S. residency in limbo.
“The Minister’s neglect of early warning signs and risk management is damaging Ghana’s reputation as a reliable partner,” stated Mr. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the Bosome-Freho MP.
He warned of severe economic consequences, highlighting that annual remittances from Ghanaians in the U.S., estimated between $1.5 and $2.5 billion, face significant jeopardy.
The Caucus urged the government to provide public accountability and take immediate, drastic action to mend relations with Washington to get the suspension reversed.
While acknowledging efforts by the Mahama-led administration to address U.S. concerns, the Minority maintained that the situation remains critically tense, necessitating a change in diplomatic leadership to salvage Ghana’s standing and protect the interests of its citizens.
