Mahama, Ablakwa accused of diplomatic double standards over Western Sahara

Nana Asafo-Adjei, a Member of Parliament for Bosom Freho, has criticized President John Dramani Mahama. He also targeted Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Asafo-Adjei accused them of damaging Ghana’s international reputation.

His criticism follows Ghana's recent visa waiver agreement with Morocco. This agreement aims to boost trade and tourism between the two countries. However, it may signal a shift in Ghana’s stance on the Western Sahara conflict.

Morocco has proposed autonomy for Western Sahara since 2007. This proposal seeks to offer the territory autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. Under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Ghana stopped recognizing the Polisario Front's quest for independence.

Instead, Ghana supported Morocco's autonomy plan. In a Facebook post, Asafo-Adjei pointed out contradictions in the current administration’s position. He recalled that during his vetting, Ablakwa criticized Akufo-Addo's stance as “reckless and unfortunate.”

Asafo-Adjei noted that just a month ago, Ablakwa assured Algeria of support for the Sahrawi people. Now he has pledged support for Morocco’s autonomy plan instead.

He questioned the credibility of Ghana’s foreign policy under Mahama. Asafo-Adjei called it “hypocritical and embarrassing.” He asked why there was such a drastic change in just weeks.

“What has changed between April and May?” he queried. “How can Ghana tell Algeria one thing and Morocco another?” He warned that this inconsistency could damage Ghana’s credibility internationally.

It may also weaken diplomatic ties with key partners. Ghanaians no longer need visas to travel to Morocco due to this new agreement.