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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs nominee, has laid out a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at strengthening Ghana’s foreign policy and diplomatic operations. Appearing before the Appointments Committee on January 31, 2025, Ablakwa outlined his vision for modernising the ministry, enhancing economic diplomacy, and improving passport services.
Ablakwa, who has served as a key member of the Foreign Affairs Committee for eight years, emphasised his commitment to prioritising economic diplomacy.
He stressed the importance of forging strong bilateral agreements that will create job opportunities for Ghanaians abroad while driving economic growth within the country.
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“My focus will be on economic partnerships that bring tangible benefits to Ghana and its people. We must ensure that our foreign engagements translate into real economic opportunities for businesses and individuals alike,” he stated.
As part of this effort, he plans to negotiate agreements that facilitate regulated migration pathways, ensuring that Ghanaians seeking opportunities abroad do so under safe and structured conditions that benefit both them and the country.
Ablakwa also highlighted the urgent need for reforms in Ghana’s passport application and issuance process.
He disclosed that over 70,000 passports remain uncollected, attributing the backlog to inefficiencies in the system and the presence of middlemen who delay processing for their own gain.
To address this, he proposed leveraging technology to streamline passport services, allowing citizens to apply for and receive passports without physically visiting passport offices.
“We need to take advantage of technology to modernise our passport regime. My goal is to introduce an efficient online system that enables citizens to apply, track, and receive their passports from the comfort of their homes,” he said.
Additionally, he vowed to crack down on the influence of middlemen in passport processing, ensuring that applications are handled directly by authorised personnel to eliminate unnecessary delays and exploitation.
Ablakwa further outlined his vision to reform Ghana’s Foreign Service, making it more result-orientated and efficient.
He proposed the establishment of a “delivery unit” within the ministry, tasked with monitoring and evaluating the performance of ambassadors and diplomatic staff.
“We need a Foreign Service that is results-driven. Diplomats must not just hold titles; they must actively work to bring investment, trade opportunities, and diplomatic benefits to Ghana,” he stressed.
The nominee’s proposed reforms reflect a broader effort to modernise Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, making it more responsive, transparent, and aligned with the country’s economic and diplomatic goals. His vision, if implemented, could significantly improve the efficiency of foreign operations, strengthen international partnerships, and enhance the experience of Ghanaians interacting with the ministry.
With his vetting completed, Parliament is expected to deliberate on his nomination in the coming days. If confirmed, his leadership could usher in a new era of innovation and efficiency within Ghana’s foreign affairs sector.
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