The Minority in Parliament is demanding immediate compensation for Ghanaian citizens who were left stranded following the temporary closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., over suspected fraud.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa ordered the indefinite closure on May 25, 2025, after discovering that the IT Director, Fred Kwarteng, had allegedly rerouted consular applicants to his private company. The minister justified the move as necessary to “protect Ghana’s image.”
However, addressing the media in Parliament, Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Ayeh Asafo-Adjei, criticised the decision, describing it as “needless” and damaging to the lives of many.
“This is aimed at factual records of decisions that have cost ordinary citizens time, money, and dignity, whilst leaving our compatriots abroad confused about Ghana’s decision,” he stated.
The Bosome Freho MP revealed that the closure disrupted the appointments of 437 applicants, with many losing money and critical travel opportunities.
“Among the stranded was Mrs. Ajoa Mensima, whose plea for the return of her passport so she could bury her grandmother went viral within hours,” he recounted.
He said within just three days, the minister’s action had cost the country over $38,200 in expedited service fees and led to at least 112 travellers missing connecting flights.
The Minority condemned the lack of a contingency protocol or skeletal consular services, arguing that Ghana’s diplomatic standing was being undermined by impulsive decisions.
“The minister instead issued a spectacle of closure that punished the innocent and embarrassed the state without explanation,” he said.
They further accused the Minister of failing to provide the report he promised Parliament when the issue was first raised, weeks after assuring the House of an update “the next day.”
“The Parliament, particularly Minority, requested for the report. Until now, we’ve not even seen the report,” Asafo-Adjei noted.
The Minority is calling for: A consular report detailing who authorised the closure and the legal basis for the decision; and an explanation of how affected citizens will be compensated.
“This compensation is what we are mostly interested in,” he stressed.
They also called for transparency and due diligence in handling foreign policy matters, cautioning that Ghana’s long-standing diplomatic credibility must not be sacrificed.
“Diplomacy demands tactfulness and backdoor consultation. This advice should go to our minister,” Asafo-Adjei concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
