Some traditional leaders and electorates within the Tongu Traditional Areas have condemned the petition by the Minority in Parliament seeking the removal of Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, describing the move as “reckless, premature and not reflective of the national interest.”
In an exclusive interview with the Ghana News Agency, Togbe Komla Sakpiti V, Chief of Bakpa Awadiwoekome argued that the call for the Minister’s dismissal did not appreciate the complexities of foreign diplomacy and risked weakening the country’s international standing for partisan advantage.
“The call for Mr Ablakwa’s removal is reckless and does not serve the national interest,” he stated. “Diplomacy demands unity and maturity. We cannot allow foreign affairs to become a playground for political experimentation.”
He noted that while Parliament has a legitimate oversight role, the Minority’s petition failed to establish evidence of misconduct or any substantive justification for the Minister’s removal.
According to the Chief, Mr Ablakwa has demonstrated an “active diplomatic posture” through his involvement in bilateral cooperation, regional security discussions and global forums on trade and development.
“Instead of discrediting our Foreign Minister as a nation, at such a sensitive time, we should rather rally behind him as he navigates complex international issues,” Togbe Sakpiti said. “We urge Parliament to prioritize national cohesion over partisan competition.”
Togbe Sakpiti warned that abrupt political attacks on key state institutions could send negative signals to Ghana’s international partners and undermine diplomatic credibility.
The position of the traditional leaders has drawn strong support from electorates across the North, Central and South Tongu areas, many of whom described the petition as hasty and politically motivated.
They said Ablakwa’s stewardship requires consistency and stability rather than abrupt political interference.
“We fully support the chiefs. Ablakwa has been working tirelessly and represents the region well. This petition is unnecessary.”
Others argued that undermining Ghana’s foreign policy leadership at this moment could create confusion for international partners and reduce Ghana’s leverage in diplomatic engagements.
Community members reaffirmed their confidence in Mr Ablakwa and urged political actors to pursue dialogue rather than confrontation on matters that affect the country’s external relations.
Background
The Minority Caucus has demanded the immediate removal of Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, blaming him for diplomatic failures that have harmed Ghana’s international standing.
They cited Ghana being labeled a “migration risk” by the U.S. and setbacks with Israel and Europe. The criticism coincides with the U.S. pausing immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, including Ghana, over concerns about applicants’ reliance on public benefits.
Story by Kekeli K. Blamey
