Ablakwa Calls on Diplomatic Missions to Protect Ghanaians’ Dignity

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has embarked on a working tour of more than 20 embassies and visa application centres to assess the conditions faced by Ghanaian visa applicants.

The visit, which took place on Monday, October 5, 2026, allowed the Minister to observe the situation firsthand and engage directly with Ghanaians about their experiences.

Mr Ablakwa said he would engage Heads of Missions in the coming days to discuss his findings and observations and explore measures to improve the conditions for visa applicants.

He recalled that during his first month in office, he engaged diplomatic missions and urged them to protect the dignity and welfare of Ghanaian visa applicants.

He also called on missions to address long waiting periods for visa appointments and provide adequate arrangements to prevent applicants from being exposed to harsh weather conditions.

Mr Ablakwa acknowledged that some missions had made significant improvements but said others needed to do more.

“It is the prerogative of diplomatic missions to determine who qualifies for their visas, and I shall not interfere with that. Nonetheless, they must take concrete steps to ensure the dignity of Ghanaians is safeguarded,” he said.

By Esther Padmore Amonoo