By Makiza Micheline Latifa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has held a press briefing to address a series of critical national issues, including the temporary closure of Ghana’s mission in Washington D.C., concerns over a potential U.S. visa ban, and progress on the country’s passport reforms.
Addressing the media, the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, provided clarity on the circumstances surrounding the closure of the Washington mission. He firmly refuted claims made by former Ambassador Hajia Alima Mahama, who had previously suggested that no financial loss had been incurred by the state in connection with the alleged embassy fraud.
“The findings of the forensic audit reveal clear administrative breaches and irregularities,” the Minister stated. “The government is committed to ensuring that the integrity of our diplomatic missions is upheld, and this matter is being dealt with in accordance with the law.”
On Ghana’s relations with the United States, the Minister disclosed that the government has engaged U.S. authorities in diplomatic discussions following concerns raised about compliance with certain immigration and security protocols. He explained that the U.S. government had identified twelve areas of concern for several African countries, including terrorism, harbouring violent extremists, non-cooperation with deportation procedures, and high rates of visa overstays.
Ghana’s main area of concern, according to the Minister, relates to student visa overstays, with data indicating that 21 percent of Ghanaian students in the U.S. have not returned home after completing their studies.
“While we acknowledge this figure and are taking steps to address it, it is important to note that Ghana’s overall standing remains favourable,” Mr. Ablakwa asserted. “We do not believe our country should be placed in the same category as those facing more serious breaches, and we are engaging our U.S. counterparts accordingly.”
On the ongoing passport reforms, Mr. Ablakwa reported that the programme is progressing smoothly, revealing that 79,230 chip-embedded biometric passports have so far been delivered via courier services under the new system.
“This reform is a critical part of our drive to modernize public service delivery,” he said. “We are determined to move forward, not back to the old era of inefficiency.”
The Minister noted that while the reforms have been largely successful, some operational challenges have emerged, particularly with applicants providing inaccurate delivery addresses, a situation courier companies have frequently reported.
He also cautioned against the activities of middlemen, commonly referred to as “goro boys”, whose evolving tactics are being closely monitored. Under the current system, only passport applicants themselves are permitted to receive their passports.
“We want to protect the sanctity of Ghana’s passport,” the Minister stressed. “No third-party collections will be allowed, except in the case of minors, where a verified guardian relationship is established.”
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, institutional reform, and the safeguarding of Ghana’s diplomatic reputation on the global stage.
“These measures reflect our government’s unwavering stance against irregularities and our determination to ensure Ghanaians at home and abroad are served with integrity and professionalism,” the Minister concluded.