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Tag: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Ghana maintains independence in victim relief, refuses GH¢20m MTN aid

Ghana’s Foreign Ministry has declined a GH¢20 million relief offer from South African telecommunications giant MTN Ghana, opting instead to fully fund the evacuation and resettlement of Ghanaian victims caught in recent xenophobic attacks.

The decision underscores Accra’s strategy to handle the humanitarian crisis entirely through state channels while balancing public outrage against South African commercial interests in Ghana.

During an August 14 summit, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa informed MTN’s executive team that state resources were sufficient to manage the ongoing crisis without corporate intervention from South Africa-rooted entities.

“The Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer,” the Ministry stated on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

The GH¢20 million pledge came as MTN faced growing pressure from local advocacy groups calling for boycotts of foreign brands following violence targeting African migrants across several South African townships. In defense of the brand, MTN Ghana Board Chairman Dr. Ishmael Yamson emphasized that corporate leadership in Johannesburg had firmly opposed the unrest.

“The corporate sector in South Africa has been very outspoken against it,” Dr. Yamson noted. “The MTN chairman spoke directly, and he condemned it in no uncertain terms.”

Rather than taking corporate contributions, government officials insist that managing the relief efforts independently ensures complete oversight and avoids potential conflicts of interest while diplomatic talks continue.

“The Ministry assures that it will present to the general public a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations as soon as the exercise is concluded,” the statement read, targeting public demands for transparency.

To prevent economic retaliation or hostility toward foreign businesses operating locally, the Ministry assured investors that international firms remain protected under Ghanaian law.

“Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from,” the Ministry concluded.

State-led charter flights and reintegration programs remain fully operational as stranded citizens continue to arrive at Kotoka International Airport.

August 26, 2026
New Era of Diplomacy: Ghana-EU accord signals radical shift from aid to value-added trade

In a move set to redefine Ghana’s economic ties with Europe, the 2026 Ghana-European Union (EU) Partnership Dialogue has concluded with a definitive commitment to dismantle the traditional donor-recipient relationship in favor of a fierce industrial partnership.

Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, hailed the high-level talks as a historic turning point, revealing that future diplomatic cooperation will be strictly measured by tangible trade metrics, local manufacturing expansion, and mutual security architecture rather than foreign aid dependency.

Industrialization and Economic Transformation

A central theme of this year’s dialogue was the promotion of value-added manufacturing. Mr. Ablakwa noted that a key priority for the Ghanaian delegation was securing commitments that support the nation’s industrialization drive, particularly under initiatives designed to process raw materials locally before export.

The discussions covered crucial trade agreements and market access barriers, with both parties seeking ways to streamline processes under the interim Economic Partnership Agreement (iEPA). Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the EU remains one of Ghana’s largest trading partners, and re-orienting this partnership toward processing and industrialization will create vital job opportunities for the country’s youth.

“Our goal is to ensure that Ghanaian goods entering European markets are processed and packaged locally,” Ablakwa explained. “This is how we build economic resilience, protect our local currencies, and create sustainable livelihoods for our people. The EU has shown a willing disposition to support these structural adjustments.”

Security, Green Energy, and Democratic Governance

Beyond trade, the 2026 dialogue tackled pressing geopolitical and environmental issues. In light of growing security challenges in the West African sub-region, particularly across the Sahel, the discussions underscored the importance of enhanced security and intelligence cooperation to protect Ghana’s northern borders and maintain regional stability.

Mr. Ablakwa also touched on the commitments made toward green energy and sustainable climate adaptation strategies. The EU pledged continued technical and financial collaboration to assist Ghana in achieving its energy transition goals without disrupting economic growth. Furthermore, both parties reaffirmed their joint commitment to upholding democratic governance, the rule of law, and institutional accountability.

The minister assured the public that Parliament would maintain strict oversight to ensure that the bilateral pacts and funding frameworks agreed upon during the dialogue are executed transparently and optimally to benefit ordinary Ghanaian citizens.

“The commitments made here are promising, but the real work lies in implementation,” Ablakwa concluded. “We will ensure that every agreement translates into tangible development across our communities.”

July 10, 2026
Chief of Staff assures homecoming citizens with vow of dignified reintegration

Julius Debrah, Chief of Staff addressing South Africa returnees at Accra International Airport

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

The government has issued a firm assurance to Ghanaian nationals fleeing recent unrest in South Africa that the state will employ all necessary resources to ensure their safe reintegration and long-term wellbeing back home.

The pledge was delivered by the Chief of Staff, Dr Julius Debrah, who led a high-powered state delegation to the Kotoka International Airport to receive the first batch of evacuees.

High-level government delegation led by Julius Debrah to receive South Africa returnees

The returnees, numbering close to 300 citizens, were flown back home via a coordinated state-backed evacuation exercise managed alongside the National Disaster Management Organisation (Nadmo) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A Dignified Return, Not A Setback

Addressing the visibly shaken but relieved evacuees shortly after their arrival, the Chief of Staff emphasized that returning home under difficult circumstances should not be viewed as a personal failure or a permanent end to their aspirations.

”Do not view your return home as a setback. See this moment as an opportunity for a fresh start, a clean slate, and a chance to rebuild your lives with absolute dignity and hope. Your country has not forgotten you, and we will not abandon our citizens abroad or those who have returned,” Dr Julius Debrah assured the gathering.

The state delegation, which also included the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, spent time interacting with the returnees, many of whom had lost livelihoods and personal assets during the targeted violence in South Africa.

Comprehensive Reintegration Strategies Underway

To ease the immediate transition, Nadmo officials set up emergency stations at the airport to distribute relief packages, food, and medical assessments. The government has signaled that its intervention will extend far beyond immediate arrival assistance, mapping out medium to long-term economic support frameworks.

”Our immediate priority is comfort and stability, but our ultimate goal is sustainable reintegration. We are collaborating across multiple sectors to look at livelihood support schemes, skills alignment, and micro-enterprise setups so that our brothers and sisters can stand firmly on their feet right here at home,” noted an official attached to the repatriation task force.

Tears And Relief At Kotoka

For many of the evacuees, touchdown on Ghanaian soil brought a profound sense of psychological relief after weeks of living in heightened anxiety. Families gathered outside the arrival hall, sharing emotional reunions as relatives walked off the tarmac.

”We lived in constant fear every single day, not knowing what would happen next to our families or our businesses,” shared one of the returnees, holding back tears. “Hearing the assurance from the government today makes us feel like we actually have a home that cares. It won’t be easy to start over from nothing, but being alive and safe in Ghana is everything.”

The government has confirmed that monitoring and evacuation channels remain open in South Africa, with successive flights being structured to bring back remaining registered citizens who wish to be repatriated.

May 28, 2026
Historic! UN adopts Ghana-led Resolution declaring slavery a crime against humanity; demands global reparations

By Adnan Adams Mohammed

In a move described as a watershed moment for international justice, the United Nations General Assembly has officially adopted a groundbreaking resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery as crimes against humanity.

The resolution, spearheaded by Ghana and supported by a coalition of African and Caribbean nations, not only codifies the historical atrocities into the framework of international law but also issues a formal demand for a global reparations framework to address the systemic inequalities left in the wake of centuries of exploitation.

A Victory for African Diplomacy

The passage of the resolution marks a significant diplomatic triumph for Ghana.

Speaking shortly after the vote, Ghana’s representatives at the UN emphasized that the resolution is not merely about acknowledging the past, but about correcting a historical injustice that continues to stall the development of African nations and the African diaspora.

The resolution calls on former colonial powers and participating nations to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding reparations which could include financial compensation, debt cancellation, the return of looted cultural artifacts, and targeted developmental support.

‘An Emphatic Victory for Justice’ – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

The news has been met with widespread acclaim within Ghana. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and a vocal advocate for social justice, hailed the resolution as an “emphatic victory” for the continent.

”This is the culmination of generations of struggle,” Ablakwa stated. “For too long, the world treated the slave trade as a closed chapter of history rather than a continuous crime that built the wealth of the West at the expense of African lives. This resolution validates our demand for accountability and ensures that the call for reparations is no longer a fringe request, but an international mandate.”

Ablakwa further noted that the “Ghana-led” nature of the resolution reinforces the country’s position as a beacon of Pan-Africanism and a leader in the global fight for Black liberation.

Amnesty International Calls it a ‘Momentous Step Forward’

Human rights organizations have also weighed in, with Amnesty International describing the move as a “momentous step forward” for global human rights.

In a statement released shortly after the announcement, Amnesty International praised the UN’s decision to finally align international law with the lived realities of millions. The organization noted that the resolution provides a legal and moral foundation for victims of systemic racism and economic marginalization to seek redress.

”The recognition of slavery as a crime against humanity is long overdue,” the statement read. “This resolution creates a critical opening for reparations, which are essential for healing the deep-seated wounds of the past and dismantling the structures of racism that persist today.”

The Path Ahead

While the resolution is a significant symbolic and legal milestone, experts warn that the road to actual reparations will be complex. Several Western nations, while supporting the acknowledgment of historical wrongs, have expressed reservations regarding the legal binding of financial reparations.

However, for the sponsors of the resolution and the millions across the African diaspora, the UN’s declaration represents a point of no return. The conversation has shifted from “if” reparations are owed to “how” they will be delivered, marking a new era in the global pursuit of racial and economic justice.

March 26, 2026
Ablakwa Visits Ghanaian Prisoners of War, Expresses Optimism Over Release Talks

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has successfully visited a group of Ghanaian nationals currently held as Prisoners of War (POWs) in Ukraine.

The visit, which took place over the weekend, marks a significant diplomatic effort to ensure the welfare of Ghanaian citizens caught in the crossfire of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The Ghanaian nationals, whose identities are being protected for security reasons, were reportedly captured during recent military engagements.

A Humanitarian Mission

Speaking from the Ukrainian capital after the visit, Mr. Ablakwa expressed relief at seeing the detainees in relatively good health.

He noted that his mission was primarily humanitarian, aimed at verifying their condition and providing them with psychological support and basic necessities.

”It was an emotional encounter,” Ablakwa stated. “Our compatriots were relieved to see a familiar face from home. While the circumstances of their detention are difficult, I can confirm that they are being treated in accordance with international humanitarian laws and the Geneva Convention.”

The MP’s visit follows weeks of anxiety back in Ghana, as families of the men had petitioned the government and his office for intervention. It is believed that some of the Ghanaians involved may have been recruited as foreign volunteers or were residents in the region before the escalation of hostilities.

Optimism for Release

Beyond the visit, Mr. Ablakwa engaged in high-level discussions with Ukrainian officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Defense and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

The MP expressed “cautious optimism” regarding the ongoing negotiations for their release. He revealed that talks are centering on a possible prisoner exchange or a humanitarian repatriation process.

”The discussions have been constructive. The Ukrainian authorities have shown a willingness to cooperate, and we are working closely with the Ghana Mission and other international intermediaries to expedite their return,” Ablakwa said. “I am optimistic that we will see a positive outcome soon, and these young men will be reunited with their families in Ghana.”

Government and Public Reaction

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has yet to issue a formal statement on the specific details of the release talks, but sources indicate that diplomatic channels are fully activated.

Mr. Ablakwa’s proactive approach has been widely praised by the families of the POWs and civil society organizations, who have been calling for more transparency regarding Ghanaians in the conflict zone.

As the war continues to take a global toll, the fate of these Ghanaian nationals has become a focal point of national concern. For now, the successful visit by the North Tongu lawmaker offers a glimmer of hope that a diplomatic resolution is within reach.

February 26, 2026
Ghanaian exporters eye new AGOA opportunities …as programme extension ends trade uncertainty

By Toma Imirhe

Ghana’s non-traditional exporters have welcomed the U.S. Congress’s decision to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) for an additional three years, calling the move a timely reprieve after months of tariff uncertainty that had disrupted access to American markets.

The House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the extension by 340 votes to 54 last week, sending the bill to the Senate and, ultimately, to the U.S. President for signature.

The three-year extension will maintain duty-free access to U.S. markets for eligible Ghanaian products through 2029, offering exporters critical predictability after AGOA’s lapse on September 30, 2025 had left businesses scrambling under Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariffs of around 15%.

“This is great news,” said Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, adding that the extension would support local garment manufacturing and job creation. “AGOA provides duty-free access to the U.S. market for eligible products. This positive development will boost local garment production and create more jobs,” he enthused upon receiving news of the extension.

Despite the positive outcome, many Ghanaian exporters said the extension was not fully expected, particularly given the stalemate over US President Donald Trump’s hardline stance on tariffs and political volatility around AGOA’s renewal in Washington. In 2025, U.S. tariff measures had undercut the duty-free margins long enjoyed under the programme, forcing exporters of textiles, agro-processors, and other non-traditional products to absorb higher costs while awaiting congressional action.

Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana, had earlier warned that tariff uncertainty was undermining competitiveness. “Every month that passes without AGOA renewal means lost business opportunities, lost jobs and lost foreign exchange,” he had lamented to the local media.

With the extension now secured, exporters are pivoting to strategic repositioning. The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana has urged firms to enhance compliance standards and invest in value addition, particularly in horticulture and shea butter, to maximise the renewed preferences.

Under AGOA, Ghana’s exports to the United States have been significant but volatile. According to the U.S. Trade Representative’s 2024 report, Ghana’s AGOA-eligible exports were approximately US $340 million, including cocoa derivatives, textiles, and processed goods. Early 2025 figures signalled a 45% year-to-date decline compared to 2024.

Non-traditional exports broadly remain a cornerstone of Ghana’s trade diversification strategy, generally ranging between US $3.5 billion, and US$4.5 billion annually led by iron and steel products, cocoa paste, cashew nuts, and shea oil.

With AGOA’s restored duty-free access, garments, processed foods, and cocoa derivatives stand to benefit most in absolute value. Analysts project that reinvigorated American demand, combined with increased compliance and quality enhancement, could boost these sectors’ contribution to U.S. exports by 10–20% annually through 2029, assuming global demand stabilises and supply chain constraints ease although comprehensive industry forecasts are still pending.. The garment and textiles sector in particular could regain competitiveness against East Asian suppliers if paired with enhanced export finSance and certification support.

The extension reflects a broader U.S. policy rationale to strengthen trade ties with sub-Saharan Africa, promote economic growth through market access, and counter strategic competition from other global powers particularly China – by maintaining preferential access for African manufacturers. AGOA was originally enacted in 2000 to reduce poverty through export-led growth and deepen U.S. Africa economic relations.

U.S. lawmakers have emphasised that continued access for African exporters benefits both sides supporting job creation and diversifying supply chains while helping American businesses source competitive inputs.

For Ghanaian exporters battered by tariff uncertainty, the extension not only restores market predictability but also rekindles hopes of reclaiming lost market share provided local firms can capitalise on the window ahead.

January 19, 2026