The Foreign Affairs Minister nominee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has questioned the relevance of Ghana’s embassies abroad if they cannot be effectively utilised to assist Ghanaian citizens in foreign countries.
He made these remarks on Friday, 31st January when he appeared before the Appointments Committee for his vetting.
Mr Ablakwa emphasised the need for embassies to play a more active role in protecting and supporting Ghanaians overseas.
During his submission, Mr Ablakwa expressed concerns over the challenges many Ghanaians face when seeking assistance from their country’s diplomatic missions.
He highlighted issues such as delays in consular services, lack of adequate support for distressed citizens, and the overall inefficiency in responding to the needs of Ghanaians abroad.
“Why do we establish embassies if we cannot use them to help our own people? It is unacceptable that Ghanaians in distress struggle to get the necessary support from our missions,” he remarked.
The nominee stressed the importance of embassies not only serving as diplomatic representations but also as centres of refuge and assistance for Ghanaian citizens.
He underscored the need for proactive engagement by embassy officials in addressing the concerns of Ghanaians abroad, whether in matters of legal assistance, emergency aid, or economic opportunities.
Ablakwa further stated, “We must ensure that our foreign missions are properly resourced and committed to serving Ghanaians effectively.”
Ablakwa assured the committee that, if approved as Minister for Foreign Affairs, he would prioritise strengthening Ghana’s embassies to make them more responsive and citizen-centred by coming up with key performance indicators for the diplomats who lead the embassies.
He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that Ghanaians abroad feel a strong connection to their homeland through efficient and effective diplomatic support.
“We must not allow our embassies to merely exist as symbolic institutions. They must function as true extensions of the Ghanaian government, ready to serve and protect our people wherever they are,” he concluded.
Latest Stories
-
The 2025 budget will confirm how bad the economy is – Kwakye Ofosu
8 minutes -
Sky train scandal: Nana Akufo-Addo made unprecedented contributions to railway sector – Dr Stephen Amoah
13 minutes -
Ghana Health Service moves to strengthen disability-friendly healthcare
30 minutes -
Ntim Fordjour urges schools to closely supervise disruptive students
32 minutes -
Ghana’s outdated legal framework hindering anti-corruption fight – Prof. Kwasi Prempeh
36 minutes -
Ho Technical University holds 32nd matriculation ceremony
44 minutes -
NDC MPs supported the Defence Ministry loan approach, ‘you can ask Ato Forson’ – Dr Stephen Amoah
53 minutes -
What Mahama presented ‘was not the true state of the economy’- Dr Stephen Amoah
2 hours -
Eid ul-Fitr: Mahama grants two-day national holiday
2 hours -
Prof. Kwasi Prempeh expresses doubts about the OSP
2 hours -
GHANET welcomes Mahama’s commitment to fill HIV funding gap
2 hours -
An open letter to His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
2 hours -
Livestream: Newsfile discusses Sick Economy, NIB Actions and Opioids Dangers
3 hours -
IERPP’s Analysis of the State of the Nation Address by President John Mahama
5 hours -
DR Congo conflict: 500 mpox patients flee clinics after rebel looting
5 hours