Ghana’s Washington DC embassy issues over 800 visas on Day 1 of reopening

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, praised the diplomatic team in Washington D.C. The embassy recently reopened with a new operational strategy. On its first day, it processed over 800 visa applications.

In a Facebook post, Mr. Ablakwa commended the “fresh team of seasoned diplomats.” He described their work as efficient, professional, and full of integrity.

He linked this success to ongoing reforms at Ghana’s foreign missions. “This shows that Ghanaian diplomats excel with the right support,” he stated on Friday.

The reopening followed a suspension due to administrative changes and investigations into misconduct at the embassy.

Mr. Ablakwa dismissed claims that reforms led to politically motivated job replacements. “There have been no new recruitments at our Washington embassy,” he stressed. He noted there are enough skilled diplomats for ongoing reforms.

He also announced the cancellation of an unauthorized agreement involving Fred Kwarteng and a top official at the embassy. Details about this deal will be presented to Parliament next week.

This move is part of efforts to improve the Foreign Ministry and enhance Ghana’s international reputation.