Ghana’s DC embassy issues over 800 visas on reopening day

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hailed Ghana’s newly revitalised diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C., after the embassy processed over 800 visa applications on its first day of reopening.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mr. Ablakwa praised what he called a “fresh team of seasoned diplomats” for delivering with “efficiency, professionalism, and integrity,” describing their performance as a clear reflection of Ghanaian excellence.

The embassy’s reopening follows a temporary suspension triggered by sweeping administrative reforms and investigations into alleged irregularities and misconduct.

Addressing speculation that the reforms had led to politically motivated staff replacements, the Minister firmly denied the claims.

“Contrary to false and baseless reports, there have been no new recruitments to replace lost jobs in our Washington embassy. We have an adequate stock of distinguished and astute diplomats to lead ongoing reforms,” he clarified.

Mr. Ablakwa also revealed that the Ministry had officially nullified a “2023 unauthorized, opaque, and illegal agreement” involving one Fred Kwarteng and a senior official at the embassy.

He said full details of that agreement, as well as actions taken, including frozen accounts, would be presented to Parliament in the coming week.

This renewed diplomatic push forms part of a broader agenda by the Foreign Ministry to restore trust, ensure transparency, and elevate Ghana’s standing on the global stage.