The Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed allegations that he deleted an old Facebook post, insisting that he stands by his words and has nothing to hide.
Speaking during his appearance before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee, Ablakwa firmly rejected the accusations, stating:
“I am not a coward.”
He emphasized that he has always been vocal and will continue to defend his positions without fear or hesitation.
Beyond addressing the controversy, Ablakwa outlined his policy plans for the Foreign Affairs Ministry, emphasizing bold reforms to enhance economic diplomacy and streamline passport services.
He vowed to modernize the country’s passport system, citing numerous complaints and a backlog of over 7,000 applications.
“We will move from the current biometric system to a chip-embedded passport regime,” he stated.
Ablakwa also stressed the need for accountability within Ghana’s foreign missions, revealing that over GHC 875 million was spent on foreign staff last year alone.
“We have 71 missions abroad, but what do they bring in? This ministry has been too abstract for too long, and we are going to change that perception,” he asserted.
To ensure results, Ablakwa pledged to introduce clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
“If you are sent abroad, you must bring something home—investors, industries, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). If within a year we see no impact, you will be reshuffled,” he warned.
