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Tag: Samuel Ablakwa Okudzeto

  • Ablakwa pledges visa support for fans as Black Stars book 2026 World Cup ticket

    Ablakwa pledges visa support for fans as Black Stars book 2026 World Cup ticket

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has extended warm congratulations to the Black Stars following their emphatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    He has also promised to ensure that Ghanaian supporters gain fair and easy access to travel visas for the tournament.

    In a celebratory statement, Mr Ablakwa said the Foreign Ministry, under his leadership, would take advantage of Ghana’s strong diplomatic ties with the United States, Canada, and Mexico the joint hosts of the 2026 World Cup to secure favourable visa quotas for fans eager to support the team abroad.

    The Black Stars’ qualification sparked massive celebrations across the country, as jubilant supporters took to the streets and social media to hail the team’s effort. Many have praised head coach Otto Addo and his players for restoring confidence in the national side after a hard-fought qualifying campaign that reaffirmed Ghana’s standing as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.

    Mr Ablakwa’s assurance has further lifted the spirits of supporters, many of whom have in the past struggled to obtain visas for major international tournaments.

    “Ghanaians can be fully assured that the Foreign Ministry under my leadership shall leverage our improved cordial diplomatic relations with the United States, Canada, and Mexico to guarantee appreciable visa quotas for our globally acclaimed football fans,” Mr Ablakwa said.

    He expressed hope that the Black Stars’ return to football’s biggest stage would reignite a sense of pride and unity among Ghanaians. “Congratulations to the Black Stars on Ghana’s emphatic 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. GHANA, here we come!” he added.

    Following the team’s qualification, FIFA President Gianni Infantino also shared a video message congratulating Ghana. Referring to the nation’s historic quarter-final feat in the 2010 World Cup, he expressed confidence that the Black Stars would once again make the nation proud on the global stage.

    Ghana booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup after a hard-fought 1–0 win over Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. A second-half strike from Mohammed Kudus sealed the victory and confirmed Ghana’s place at the top of their qualifying group.

    This marks Ghana’s fifth World Cup appearance, following previous outings in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2022. The 2026 tournament will be co-hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature an expanded roster of 48 teams for the first time in history.

     

     

  • Ghana-US Deportees Arrangement: lawsuit filed as Foreign Minister clarifies deal

    Ghana-US Deportees Arrangement: lawsuit filed as Foreign Minister clarifies deal

    A lawsuit has been filed against the U.S. government accused of using Ghana as a “transit hub” to secretly deport migrants, circumventing legal protections granted by American immigration judges.

    The suit filed by five plaintiffs (nationals of Nigeria and The Gambia) of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice civil rights group, alleged that non-citizens who had been granted fear-based protection were unlawfully flown to Ghana and then expelled to their countries of origin, where they face persecution or torture.

    The lawsuit claims this operation is a deliberate end-run around U.S. immigration law, which prohibits direct deportation to countries where migrants have been granted protection. The document states that “Defendants have enlisted the government of Ghana to do their dirty work.”

    Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Clarifies

    However, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed suggestions that Ghana has gained financially or materially from its agreement with the United States to accept some West African deportees.

    Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Monday, September 15, Mr Ablakwa stressed that the arrangement was not motivated by profit.

    “It is important to state that Ghana has not received any money, compensation or any material benefit in relation to this understanding. Our decision is grounded purely on humanitarian grounds and principle,” he said.

    His clarification follows rising public criticism after revelations that some Nigerian and Gambian nationals had been deported to Ghana under a U.S. deal, with opposition MPs accusing the government of compromising the country’s sovereignty.

    Mr Ablakwa maintained that the agreement was carefully managed and aligned with international humanitarian standards.

    He assured citizens that the government’s priority remained the safety and dignity of Ghanaians while honouring the nation’s obligations within the international community.

    The Deportation

    On September 5, they were removed from a detention facility in Louisiana and placed on a U.S. military cargo plane.

    The journey, which lasted 16 hours, saw some of the migrants held in straitjackets. They were not informed of their destination until hours into the flight.

    Upon arrival in Accra, Ghana, the plaintiffs were taken to a remote and “squalid” open-air detention camp known as Dema Camp, which was surrounded by armed guards.

    The lawsuit alleges that they were never given the opportunity to raise fears of persecution in Ghana, a country that was never designated as a removal country during their legal proceedings in the United States.

    One plaintiff, identified only as K.S., had been granted protection under the UN Convention Against Torture due to his sexuality. Despite this, he was deported from Ghana to The Gambia on September 10, where he is now in hiding, fearing for his life. The other four plaintiffs D.A., T.L., I.O., and D.S. remain in detention in Ghana and have been told they will be removed to their home countries.

    The lawsuit names several high-ranking U.S. officials as defendants, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    The plaintiffs’ legal argument rests on three main pillars: violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Convention Against Torture, and their due process rights under the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. They are seeking an order from Judge Tanya Chutkan to ensure their immediate return to the United States and to block any further removals.

    Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama confirmed Ghana’s role in the operation this week, stating that the nation had accepted 14 deportees under a specific deal with Washington. He clarified that Ghana was only acting as a temporary transit point and not the final destination.

     

  • Mahama pleads 5k Gbinyiri residents still displaced to return home

    Mahama pleads 5k Gbinyiri residents still displaced to return home

    President John Mahama has pleaded with displaced citizens of the Gbinyiri community to return home after a successful peace and reconciliation effort.

    The President’s message delivered through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, indicated that 5,309 Ghanaians remain in Côte d’Ivoire following the Gbinyiri conflict that displaced 13,253 residents. This shows about 8000 residents have returned.

    The conflict erupted over a land dispute in the Gbinyiri area forced thousands to flee across the border, with most settling in makeshift conditions in northern Côte d’Ivoire.

    “While on his official visit, I delivered a special message from President Mahama a message of peace and forgiveness, and a message appealing to all our compatriots to return home since the government has beefed up security and ensured that normalcy is restored,” Hon Ablakwa noted during his session at the Government Accountability Series in Accra on Monday, September 15.

    To support immediate humanitarian needs and encourage voluntary return, the Foreign Affairs Minister, on behalf of President Mahama, donated CFA 6 million to assist with logistics and urgent necessities.

    “On behalf of President Mahama, I donated CFA 6 million to cover urgent humanitarian needs and to facilitate logistical requirements for their safe return home. This donation is distinct from other relief items including food, water, blankets and medicines already provided through NADMO,” he said.

    The Gbinyiri conflict left people dead and displaced thousands, mainly women and children. Government efforts, including peacebuilding, mediation, and security reinforcement, continue to encourage the return of affected citizens.

     

     

  • Foreign minister denies awarding $5.2m embassy renovation contract in Benin

    Foreign minister denies awarding $5.2m embassy renovation contract in Benin

    The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has refuted claims suggesting that he awarded a US$5.2 million renovation contract for Ghana’s embassy in Benin.

    In a statement released on his official Facebook page, Mr. Ablakwa urged the public to treat such allegations with “utter contempt,” stressing that no such contract had been awarded under his tenure.

    “For the record, I have not awarded any embassy renovation contract anywhere in the world. Let me be clear not a single embassy renovation or construction contract has been awarded by me since I became Foreign Minister,” he stated.

    Mr. Ablakwa explained that, contrary to the claims, he has instead taken measures to protect public funds by cancelling questionable contracts he inherited.

    “On the contrary, I have rather protected taxpayers by cancelling a $3.5 million single-source midnight contract to renovate our embassy in Abidjan, which was awarded on November 7, 2024,” he revealed.

    The Foreign Minister assured Ghanaians that he remains committed to safeguarding public resources while working with integrity to deliver on President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda.”

    “I shall never betray the trust of the Ghanaian people as we work tirelessly, and with integrity, to achieve President Mahama’s Reset Agenda,” he affirmed.

  • African leaders and International Solar Alliance chart bold path for solar future in Accra

    African leaders and International Solar Alliance chart bold path for solar future in Accra

    Africa’s solar revolution gained fresh momentum last week as the Seventh Meeting of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) Regional Committee for Africa was held in Accra.

    The gathering brought together African energy ministers, international partners, and development institutions to craft actionable strategies for expanding solar energy access, innovation, and climate-resilient growth.

    Presiding over the meeting, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister of Energy and Green Transition, underscored that solar energy is more than an environmental imperative it is a driver of economic transformation.

    “Advancing Africa’s energy transition is central to sustainable growth and shared prosperity. About 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity. This is both a challenge and an opportunity to build bankable projects, attract private capital, and close the continent’s energy gap,” Jinapor said.

    Ghana, alongside Seychelles, serves as ISA Vice President for the Africa Region.

    Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, emphasised that economic progress must rest on clean, reliable, and affordable energy.

    “Partnerships forged here can help Africa rise above the current 2% share of global clean energy investment. Ghana is ready to lead by example,” he affirmed.

    Adding a global perspective, Ms. Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and UN Special Representative for Sustainable Energy for All, stressed that solar remains the fastest and least-cost solution for expanding access.

    “Even when connected, the average African consumes just 400 kWh per year compared to 13,000 kWh in the U.S. This inequity must not define our transition story. Africa must invest in Africa our sovereign funds, pension assets, and banks can unlock the capital needed for distributed renewables,” she said.

    France and India co-presidents of ISA pledged renewed commitment.

    H.E. Jules Armand Beaussieux, French Ambassador to Ghana, highlighted solar as a foundation for climate action, industrial growth, and job creation.

    H.E. Manish Gupta, India’s High Commissioner to Ghana, reinforced India’s “One Sun, One World, One Grid” vision, citing joint efforts in solar home systems, water pumps, and clean cooking.

    ISA’s Director General, Mr. Ashish Khanna, framed the Alliance’s new strategy as a shift from ambition to action.

    “Access to energy is a human right. Our approach—through innovative financing, local capacity building, and partnerships—will empower countries to design their own solutions,” he noted.

    Country Partnership Frameworks (CPFs): Ghana, Nigeria, and The Gambia signed CPFs with ISA, focusing on solar rooftops, mini-grids, agriculture applications, and institutional support.

    Solar for Agriculture: Programmes to scale solar-powered irrigation, cold storage, and farm systems aim to cut Africa’s US$400 billion food import bill while boosting jobs and resilience.

    Mission 300 Alignment: ISA is committed to supporting “Mission 300”—a US$48 billion concessional financing initiative to electrify 300 million Africans.

    Africa Solar Facility: Managed by Africa 50, the US$200 million catalytic fund seeks to mobilise over 20x private capital. Nigeria’s Sovereign Investment Authority pledged up to US$150 million.

    Digital Transformation: ISA unveiled AI-driven energy tools and “digital twins” for utilities to optimise solar integration, lower costs, and enhance reliability.

    Equity and Capacity Building: Expansion of Solar Technology Application Resource Centres (STAR-Cs) will ensure inclusive growth across underserved communities.

    Mr Seth Terkper, economic advisor to Ghana’s President, captured the moment: “Africa holds nearly 60% of the world’s best solar resources. With strategic financing and capacity building, we can leapfrog outdated systems and lead the world in distributed renewable energy solutions.”

    The ISA’s Africa Regional Committee, comprising 39 Member States and 7 Signatories, meets annually to coordinate policies, review progress, and strengthen solar development efforts across the continent.

    Founded in 2015 by India and France at COP21 in Paris, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) is the first intergovernmental body headquartered in India.

    With 124 Members and Signatories, ISA champions affordable, sustainable solar power to advance energy access, drive investment, and cut carbon emissions.

    Through partnerships with multilateral banks, governments, and the private sector, ISA designs business models, builds regulatory capacity, reduces technology costs, and mobilises financing paving the way for solar-powered solutions in agriculture, healthcare, transport, and industry.

  • Ghana embassy in USA closed temporarily.. As all local staffs recalled back to home 

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

     

     

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs writes…

     

    With the firm support of President Mahama, I have carried out the following drastic and decisive actions following the damming findings of a special audit team i put together a couple of months ago to investigate alleged corrupt practices at Ghana’s embassy in Washington DC:

     

    1) The immediate dismissal of Mr. Fred Kwarteng.

     

    Mr. Kwarteng was a local staff recruited on August 11, 2017 to work in the embassy’s IT department. According to findings and his own admission, he created an unauthorized link on the embassy’s website which diverted visa and passport applicants to his company, Ghana Travel Consultants (GTC) where he charged extra for multiple services on the blind side of the ministry and kept the entire proceeds in his private account. His illegal extra charges which were not approved by the ministry and parliament as required under the Fees and Charges Act ranges from US$29.75 to US$60 per applicant. The Investigations reveal that he and his collaborators operated this illegal scheme for at least 5 years.

    This conduct has been reported to the Attorney-General for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes.

     

    2) All Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff posted to the Washington embassy have been recalled home with immediate effect.

     

    3) The embassy’s IT department has been promptly dissolved.

     

    4) All locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended.

     

    5) The Auditor-General has been invited to conduct forensic examination of all transactions and to determine the total cost of this elaborate fraudulent scheme.

     

    6) Ghana’s embassy in Washington DC shall be closed for a few days from today as we finalize the ongoing restructuring and systems overhaul.

     

    Any inconvenience these radical measures may cause visa and passport applicants is regretted.

     

    President Mahama’s government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest and blatant abuse of office.

     

    More updates soon.

     

     

     

     

  • Adwoa Sarfo E-Levy voting private jet cost almost GHC1.0mn-Okudzeto

    Adwoa Sarfo E-Levy voting private jet cost almost GHC1.0mn-Okudzeto

    Read full article below:

    Hon Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa writes

    It is surprising that the focus of many including Civil Society Organisations in the series of Adwoa Asafo revelations has been on the alleged GHS120,000.00 transfer into her bank account from the Chief of Staff.

    The cost of the private jet used to ferry her from the USA to Ghana which is much higher than the GHS120,000.00 cannot be ignored.

    We now know that a Gulfstream G-550 registered HB-JOE and operated by Premium Jet AG based in Belgium was the executive aircraft chartered to bring in Hon. Adwoa Safo for her vote on the obnoxious E-Levy.

    It cost US$4,800 an hour to rent the HB-JOE.

    With an 11-hour flight distance, payment of reposition fees (as it flew from Belgium to pick her up in the States), payment of one-way fees (as the business jet flies back home empty), crew per diem fees, landing and wait-time fees; it cost a staggering US$140,000.00. At today’s exchange rate, that is GHS948,500.00

    It is most intriguing that an economy which is said to be broke can lavish a fantastic GHS948,500.00 plus GHS120,000.00 (a total of GHS1,068,500.00) just for one E-Levy vote. Imagine what our country can do with 1million Cedis in the midst of our economic challenges, NABCO demonstrations and labour agitations?

    The dubious claim that Adwoa Sarfo’s flight cost was paid for by her friends is most insulting. Who are these friends? What is their motivation? Why do these friends want the unpopular E-Levy passed so badly? What do these friends expect in return? What are the tax records of these friends? Why are these friends being shielded?

    How ironic, that the political tradition that in time past roundly rejected the reported kindness of President Rawlings’ friends will today be boldly canvassing a bizarre kind of friendship support.

    The Office of Special Prosecutor must look into the entire GHS1,068,500.00 expenditure for Adwoa Safo’s E-Vote and not only the GHS120,000.00 deposited in her account.

    The current composition of Ghana’s 8th Parliament should lead us to a patriotic, mature and frugal path of consensus building in the national interest; and not the present embarrassing spectre of opting for an extremely partisan, destructive, wasteful, small-minded and reckless road to perdition.

    May God save us. 🙏🏽🇬🇭🙏🏽