Ghana Embassy in US reopens with record 800 visa applications
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Ghana’s Embassy in Washington D.C. has resumed operations with a strong showing, processing more than 800 visa applications on its first day.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa praised the embassy’s performance as “a remarkable display of efficiency, professionalism, and integrity.”
In a Facebook post on Friday, May 30, Mr. Ablakwa commended the new diplomatic team for upholding high standards expected of Ghana’s foreign service.
“This is a testament that Ghanaian diplomats excel when provided with the right ecosystem and leadership,” he said.
The embassy was temporarily closed for administrative reforms and investigations into alleged irregularities. Its reopening follows a renewed operational strategy aimed at restoring confidence in Ghana’s foreign missions.
Mr. Ablakwa also disclosed that the government had nullified a controversial agreement signed in 2023 involving one Fred Kwarteng and a senior embassy official. He described the deal as “unauthorized, opaque, and illegal.”
He added that details of the agreement, including frozen accounts and remedial actions, would be submitted to Parliament in the coming week.
Amid claims of political dismissals at the embassy, Mr. Ablakwa denied any new recruitments to replace staff.
“Contrary to false and baseless allegations, there have been no new recruitments to replace lost jobs at our Washington embassy. We have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead these ongoing reforms,” he stated.
