The Minority Caucus in Parliament has demanded the immediate dismissal of Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accusing him of diplomatic incompetence following Ghana’s inclusion in a recent United States visa suspension.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, the Minority said the development reflects a broader decline in Ghana’s international standing under Mr Ablakwa’s stewardship.

“Ghana has always been a symbol of stability and reliability on the global stage,” spokesperson Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said. “That reputation is now eroding. We are being labelled a migration risk by the United States and facing avoidable diplomatic strains with Israel and Europe.”

The criticism follows a January 2026 announcement by the U.S. State Department pausing immigrant visa processing for nationals of 75 countries, including Ghana, from January 21, 2026, indefinitely. The decision was attributed to concerns over applicants’ likelihood of becoming dependent on public benefits and the need for further screening reviews.

The Minority described Ghana’s inclusion as deeply troubling, with the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, earlier warning it signalled a weakening of Ghana-U.S. relations.

Ghana’s Ambassador to the United States, Victor Smith, has clarified that the suspension affects only immigrant visas and does not apply to B1/B2 business or tourist visas.

Mr Ayeh accused the Foreign Minister of prioritising public confrontation over quiet diplomacy. “Effective foreign policy requires tact, foresight and discretion. Mr Ablakwa has chosen theatrics over negotiation, and the consequences are being felt by ordinary Ghanaians,” he said.

The Minority urged President John Dramani Mahama to act swiftly, insisting that Ghana’s international reputation and the welfare of its citizens were at stake.