Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has turned down a planned surprise welcome organised by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ahead of his return to Ghana, following the country’s recent diplomatic success at the United Nations.
Ablakwa said he became aware of the gesture and acknowledged that such receptions are often used within the ministry to celebrate significant national milestones. However, he moved to halt the plans, insisting the recognition was misplaced.
“I have expressed my appreciation to management for their thoughtful gesture and instructed that all such plans to offer me a surprise welcome at the Airport be cancelled immediately,” he said in a statement shared on X.
His decision comes in the wake of Ghana’s successful push at the United Nations General Assembly, where a resolution—championed by the country—received overwhelming support from member states.
The resolution, which seeks to have the transatlantic slave trade recognised as a grave crime against humanity, marked a major diplomatic win for Ghana and its allies.
Despite the achievement, Ablakwa stressed that the outcome was not a personal victory but the result of collective effort and international cooperation.
“I would have strongly opposed the idea if I had been consulted. This is not a personal victory, and besides, there is more work ahead of us,” he noted.
He urged focus on continued diplomatic engagement and thanked staff of the ministry for their contributions, while reiterating that Ghana’s progress on the global stage remains a shared national effort.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
