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Tag: Foreign Minister

  • Ablakwa gains uncommon access to Ghana’s two detainees captured in the Ukraine conflict, advocates for their release

    Ablakwa gains uncommon access to Ghana’s two detainees captured in the Ukraine conflict, advocates for their release

    Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has gained uncommon access to two Ghanaians captured in the war in Ukraine, calling the visit an important diplomatic achievement in the ongoing process to secure their freedom.

    He revealed that he was allowed to enter a heavily guarded detention centre where the two men are being kept. He expressed gratitude to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, for approving what he described as an unusual request — believed to be the first time such access has been granted to an African foreign minister.

    “I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

    He said the decision by the Ukrainian authorities to allow the visit shows the strong and friendly ties between Ghana and Ukraine. According to him, the gesture also increases hope that the ongoing talks for the men’s release will end successfully.

    “This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he said.

    The names of the two detainees have not been made public for security reasons. Still, the minister shared that both men are determined to use their experience to help others avoid similar situations.

    “It is refreshing to hear our two compatriots say that they are determined to become advocates against the modus operandi of trafficking networks and willing to devote the rest of their lives educating vulnerable Africans how to avoid such predicaments,” he added.

    Mr Ablakwa’s trip to Kyiv was part of broader diplomatic discussions between Ghana and Ukraine. During the visit, he also met with President Zelenskyy. The talks reportedly focused on cooperation between the two countries and humanitarian issues concerning the detained Ghanaians.

    This latest development represents meaningful progress in Ghana’s efforts to bring its citizens home safely and highlights the government’s resolve to protect Ghanaians affected by conflicts abroad.

  • 31,935 chip-embedded passports printed so far – Foreign Minister 

    31,935 chip-embedded passports printed so far – Foreign Minister 

    Ghana’s 24-hour passport production system is yielding relatively massive results within the first month of its launch, according to the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    Following the rollout of the novel chip-embedded passports about a month ago, a total of 31,935 passports have been printed. The sector minister shared the achievement after embarking on a midnight visit on Saturday, May 24, to the passport head office to assess the progress of operations by the staff.

    He commended his “hardworking and patriotic staff for their impressive work ethic,” adding that “the reset is on — we shall not disappoint the good people of Ghana.”

    The new chip-embedded passport, which was rolled out on April 28, represents a major shift from the outgoing biometric system and brings Ghana in line with international travel standards. 

    The updated document contains 175 security features and is embedded with nanotechnology to safeguard against fraud and damage. It also includes a compressed polymer-based biographical data page, which users are advised to handle carefully.

    Ghanaians still holding valid biometric passports can continue using them until 2030 in line with regulations set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), though they may opt to upgrade to the new version at any time.

    Biometric Travel Solutions spearheaded the development of the new passport platform, with Troskit and Ghana Post leading courier services under a 24-hour operational model.

    As of last week, a total number of 8,463 Ghanaians had received their new chip-embedded passports across the country, according to Mr Ablakwa. Three weeks ago, Mr Ablakwa saw to the first round of delivery of Ghana’s new chip-embedded passport. The minister joined Ghana Post on 9th May to personally hand over passports to clients at the addresses they provided.

    Applicants facing address challenges will be able to retrieve their passports from designated Ghana Post offices at no extra cost. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that Ghana Post will continue to ensure timely delivery of passports across the country. Delivery packages have been designed with tamper-evident sealing to guarantee document integrity.

    Meanwhile, Director of the Accra Passport Office, Felix Nyarku, has expressed concerns over the inconsistencies in applicants’ identification documents, highlighting mismatches between names on Ghana Cards and birth certificates.

    During a visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs last week, Mr Nyarku noted that this often delays the processing of chip-embedded passports.

    What not to do

    The new passport contains a biographical data-page composed of layers of polymer compressed into a solid substrate that must not be bent or kept in the pocket, especially the back pockets.

    It must be protected from heat and all forms of liquid. Holders are advised not to store other cards with chips embedded in them inside the passport, as it may interfere with encoded information on the (RFID) inside the passport. 

    Avoid attempting to split the biographical data page. This will permanently damage the passport.

  • Foreign Minister undertakes official visits to core departments under his outfit

    Foreign Minister undertakes official visits to core departments under his outfit

    Minister for Foreign Affairs , Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has embarked on a series of official visits to major departments and agencies under his Ministry.

    The visits formed part of a broader strategy to assess the functionality and efficiency of various institutions aligned with the Ministry’s mandate. Facilities visited included the Tema Passport Office, the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), the Foreign Service Institute (FSI), and the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

    At each stop, the Minister engaged directly with management and staff, observing daily operations and gathering insights into the challenges faced by personnel.

    These interactions allowed the Minister to better understand the working conditions and identify areas that require attention to improve output and service delivery.

    The engagements also served as a platform for fostering collaboration and encouraging staff to share recommendations aimed at enhancing client experience, institutional effectiveness, and overall productivity.

    The initiative aligns with the Ministry’s overarching vision of fostering a results-driven environment rooted in accountability, continuous improvement, and professional excellence. Staff welcomed the visits as a sign of leadership’s commitment to addressing concerns at the ground level and promoting a more responsive and supportive work culture.

    By undertaking these official visits, the Foreign Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s focus on strengthening its institutional structures, investing in human capital, and delivering diplomatic and consular services that meet high national and international standards.

  • Fee for expedited passport processing set at GHc500 for Hajj pilgrims – Foreign Minister

    Fee for expedited passport processing set at GHc500 for Hajj pilgrims – Foreign Minister

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has introduced a special initiative to ease passport processing for Ghanaian Hajj pilgrims, with a fixed fee of GH¢500 for expedited applications.

    Announcing the measure at the Hajj Village on Tuesday, March 4, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that a dedicated passport centre has been established to streamline applications for pilgrims. The facility will operate from March 4 to March 13, 2025.

    “We are not oblivious of the fact that for many, securing travel documents in a timely manner has been a major challenge. To address this, our ministry has set up this special passport centre, operational from March 4 to March 13, 2025, exclusively to serve Hajj applicants,” Ablakwa said.

    He emphasized that this initiative reflects President John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to making government services more accessible and efficient for all citizens, including those preparing for the sacred journey to Mecca.

    To further support the process, the government has maintained the cost of expedited passport processing at GH¢500 to ensure affordability for applicants.

    “In collaboration with the government, we are pleased to announce that the cost of expedited passport processing has maintained to usual ¢500 flat rate,” he stated.

    Beyond the dedicated passport centre in Accra, the Foreign Ministry is extending services to regional passport offices by setting up kiosks to assist Hajj applicants across the country.

    “To extend this service to as many people as possible, we are also setting up dedicated kiosks at various regional passport application centres, ensuring that applicants outside Accra can also benefit from this initiative,” Ablakwa added.

    The intervention has been widely praised by the Muslim community, with many commending the government for making travel preparations easier.

    Meanwhile, President Mahama has confirmed that arrangements are in place to transport 5,000 Ghanaian Muslims to Mecca this year. The 2025 Hajj pilgrimage is expected to take place between June 4 and June 9, depending on the sighting of the moon.

  • Treat Ghanaian visa applicants with dignity – Foreign Minister urges Diplomatic Missions

    Treat Ghanaian visa applicants with dignity – Foreign Minister urges Diplomatic Missions

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to uphold the dignity and respect of Ghanaian nationals seeking visas.

    Speaking at a diplomatic gathering at Jubilee House on Thursday, February 27, Mr. Ablakwa expressed concern over reports of mistreatment of visa applicants at various embassies and consulates. He emphasized that all individuals applying for travel documents deserve to be treated fairly and humanely.

    “We would like to entreat all Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to ensure that they treat our nationals who visit their premises in pursuit of their visa applications with dignity and respect,” he stated.

    He further called on embassies to improve conditions for visa applicants by offering proper waiting areas, reasonable appointment schedules, emergency services, and resolving difficulties associated with online visa applications.

    While acknowledging that some diplomatic missions have made commendable strides in refining their procedures, Mr. Ablakwa encouraged others to adopt similar measures to create a more seamless and dignified process for Ghanaians.

    His remarks formed part of a broader discussion on Ghana’s foreign policy, which highlighted the significance of international partnerships, economic diplomacy, and tackling global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and food insecurity.

    Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to multilateralism, he assured Diplomatic Missions of the government’s willingness to engage in dialogue and collaboration to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations while protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens.

  • Mahama is leading the charge to ensure Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso return to ECOWAS – Foreign Minister

    Mahama is leading the charge to ensure Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso return to ECOWAS – Foreign Minister

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional stability, emphasizing that President John Dramani Mahama is actively working to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

    Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed ministers at the Jubilee House, Ablakwa assured Ghanaians of the government’s dedication to upholding the country’s international obligations while maintaining transparency and integrity in governance.

    “We wish to assure His Excellency the President and the people of Ghana that we do not take this confidence for granted and we do not take lightly the responsibility that has been put in our hands,” he stated.

    Ablakwa highlighted the high standards set by President Mahama, describing him as a leader whose dedication to duty should inspire every public servant.

    “If your boss epitomizes these principles and examples, you have absolutely no excuse to serve the people differently,” he said.

    He further emphasized the ministers’ commitment to protecting state resources and ensuring that public assets are managed responsibly.

    “As the President has charged us, we shall at all times make sure that in our service to the country, we protect the public purse, that we are mindful that the assets we are going to preside over do not belong to us, but they belong to the people of Ghana.”

    He assured that the administration’s guiding principles would be drawn from the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) manifesto and President Mahama’s leadership philosophy.

    “We will not let the chiefs and people of Ghana down. We know expectations are high, we are conscious of that, and this emphatic victory that President Mahama received, the lesson there is that if you fail to meet the people’s expectations, you will be punished at the post,” he noted.

    Ablakwa pledged that the government would serve all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations or backgrounds, and remain focused on national development.

    “Your Excellency, we shall not let you down,” he declared.

  • Ablakwa’s appointment as Foreign Minister will bring progress to Ghana – North Tongu Chiefs

    Ablakwa’s appointment as Foreign Minister will bring progress to Ghana – North Tongu Chiefs

    The chiefs and people of North Tongu have expressed profound gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for appointing their Member of Parliament, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    In a statement celebrating the appointment, the North Tongu traditional authorities hailed the president’s decision, describing it as a commendable choice that would bring honor and progress to the nation within the global community.

    “Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is indeed a worthy son of the North Tongu constituency who does not only represent hope and progress to the good people of North Tongu but has also over the years demonstrated exemplary leadership, integrity, loyalty, courage, hard work, and dignity in public service,” the chiefs stated.

    They further commended the President for his victory in the recently concluded presidential election, pledging their support for his administration and the “Reset Ghana” agenda.

    The chiefs also outlined their commitment to collaborating with the government in delivering key manifesto promises, including compensating and resettling VRA spillage victims, reviving collapsed factories, commencing work on the Volivo to Dorfor-Adidomi bridge, and enhancing agricultural productivity under the 24-hour economy policy.

    “We thank President Mahama and wish the government success in the management and steering of the affairs of state,” the statement concluded.

    The chiefs reaffirmed their belief that Hon. Ablakwa’s contributions at the helm of the Foreign Affairs Ministry would enhance Ghana’s standing on the international stage and bring significant development to the country.

  • E-passports will stop fraud and protect identities – Foreign Minister

    E-passports will stop fraud and protect identities – Foreign Minister

    The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has disclosed that the recently rolled-out chip-based passports will significantly enhance security for Ghanaians by safeguarding against identity fraud, document manipulation, and illegal access to personal biometric data.

    During a ceremony at the Accra International Conference Center to unveil the upgraded travel document on Monday, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey explained that the chip-embedded passport replaces the previous biometric version.

    She further noted that the new e-passport will expedite passport issuance and offer improved security for travelers.

    “Transitioning from the use of the biometric passport to the historic chip-embedded passport is not merely an upgrade in technology. Rather, it is a manifestation of our sincere dedication to efficiency, security, and adherence to international standards.

    “While the current biometric passport has served us steadfastly for over a decade, the demands of a fast-paced technological evolution have necessitated this upgrade. As the gateway to Africa, Ghana must remain at the forefront of growth and development by implementing novel technological developments in security documents taking into account new international standards, threats, and growth prospects.

    “As you may know, the Government of Ghana has been working assiduously to make its digitization agenda, under the able leadership of the Vice President, a reality through various initiatives. The chip-embedded passport that we are launching today is a major milestone in this journey and boasts of several state-of-the-art features carefully designed to enhance its security and facilitate ease of travel for Ghanaian citizens,” the Foreign Affairs Minister explained.

    Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey referred to the introduction of the chip-embedded passport as a “significant milestone” in Ghana’s digital transformation.

    Ayorkor Botchwey explained that the e-passport contains a microprocessor that stores the holder’s biometric and photo details, along with distinct security features, including anti-fraud measures and both latent and patent indicators, all designed to provide robust security.


    “By the introduction of the chip-embedded passport, Ghana is poised to be at the forefront of modern technology within the African sub-region, shortening the turn-around time for passport issuance, while making travel safer, and more secure for all citizens,” the minister added.

    Launched in 2016, the chip-embedded passport initiative will be implemented through a Build, Operate, and Transfer model in collaboration with Biometric Travel Solutions Limited, a private Ghanaian company.

    The project aims to align Ghana’s passports fully with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards and the rapidly advancing global standards for biometric identification.

    As part of this initiative, the Ministry has revamped the passport application process to improve efficiency and effectiveness at Passport Application Centres (PACs) and Ghana’s missions abroad. The plan is to enhance the passport application experience for citizens by creating, developing, and launching an integrated online application and delivery system.

  • Deepened Ghana-Caribbean ties necessary – Foreign minister

    Deepened Ghana-Caribbean ties necessary – Foreign minister

    Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, participated as a special guest at the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Summit in Georgetown, Guyana.

    She engaged in bilateral and multilateral talks with Caribbean leaders, including Prime Ministers of St. Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, and Dominica.

    Dr. Amery Browne of Trinidad and Tobago represented Prime Minister Keith Rowley. Botchwey addressed the CARICOM Council of Ministers and attended a reception with leaders from the region, emphasizing the desire to strengthen ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

    Both sides aim to build on the success of Ghana’s “Year of Return” initiative and “Beyond the Return” policy, fostering increased tourism and investment.

    Recognizing the historical connection between Africa and the diaspora, Madam Botchwey highlighted the potential for a direct air link to enhance travel and commerce.

    “Those initiatives by President Akufo-Addo have really ignited interest in bringing the Caribbean countries and Ghana in particular, and Africa in general, closer together.

    “They present an important opportunity to enlarge the market size of Africa and its diaspora and grow our economies, as well as bring together our people who have been separated by history and the ocean,” she said, adding that “a direct air link would boost travel and commerce significantly between us.”

    She held additional meetings with foreign ministers from St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, Belize, and the director-general of the foreign ministry of the Bahamas.

    As Ghana’s candidate for Commonwealth Secretary-General, Botchwey is poised to play a crucial role in fostering collaboration between the Caribbean and Africa.

    The African Union has designated the Caribbean as the “sixth region” of Africa, signifying efforts to bridge political and economic gaps. The Commonwealth leaders are set to choose a new secretary-general in October, with Botchwey positioned as a key candidate for the role.

  • Belgium foreign minister urges activation of diplomacy to cease Israel’s Gaza conflict

    Belgium foreign minister urges activation of diplomacy to cease Israel’s Gaza conflict

    Belgium’s Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib has told Al Jazeera that “it is crystal clear that the proper answer to this conflict is not a military one”.

    “We need to negotiate to activate diplomacy and that’s exactly the message that hundreds, maybe thousands of people are delivering by the demonstration on the street [outside the Conference site]. As responsible politicians, we have to work hard to find an agreement for a two-state solution. This is the only way to tackle this problem properly,” she said outside the Munich Security Conference.

    “[At the conference] I have heard that the negotiations are not going well. Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, is saying that he will maybe launch a ground military operation [in Rafah]. This is really alarming,” Lahbib added.

    “There are 1.5 million people, a civilian population, who are in very difficult, disastrous situation. Humanitarian access is blocked over there. We must remind that the International Court of Justice decision asking for the humanitarian aid access should be respected.”

  • Foreign Minister signs MoUs to strengthen ties with Zambia

    Foreign Minister signs MoUs to strengthen ties with Zambia

    Ghana and Zambia have committed to enhancing collaboration in trade and investment, as confirmed during the visit of Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, to Lusaka, where she was welcomed by President Hakainde Hichilema.

    President Hichilema emphasized the significance of economic stability and development for political stability during their meeting at the State House.

    As part of the visit, Minister Botchwey signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) with her Zambian counterpart, Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, covering various aspects of cooperation between the two nations.

    The first MoU encompasses mechanisms for fostering commercial, economic, cultural, technical, scientific, and political cooperation. The second MoU focuses on defense cooperation, encompassing training and development initiatives.

    During closed-door discussions, Minister Botchwey and President Hichilema also addressed her candidacy for the position of Commonwealth Secretary-General. Ghana and Zambia share a historical bond, dating back to their independence struggles led by Presidents Nkrumah and Kaunda.

    Reflecting on the historical ties, Ms. Botchwey highlighted the potential for a robust business relationship, especially with the presence of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Ghanaian diplomats in Lusaka acknowledged the enduring affinity for Ghana in Zambia, with a legacy established by Ghanaian professionals and academics settling in the country from the post-independence years through the eighties.

    Ms. Botchwey, in a recent comprehensive lecture, outlined her vision for a “new Commonwealth,” focusing on trade and investment, leveraging ICT for skills and innovation, a Commonwealth-wide migration compact, and advocating for concerted action against climate change to benefit all member states, particularly small island developing states. The Commonwealth Heads of Government are set to choose a new leader in October, replacing the current Secretary-General, Baroness Patricia Scotland.

  • Parliament considers increasing passport fees from GHc100 to GHc644 amidst economic challenges

    Parliament considers increasing passport fees from GHc100 to GHc644 amidst economic challenges

    The Committee on Subsidiary Legislation in Parliament is considering the increase of the amount paid to secure passports from GH¢100 to GH¢644 following a submission by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

    This represents over 500 percent increase in passport fees.

    Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the sector minister, revealed this information while speaking on the floor of Parliament before the approval of a GH¢1.127 million budget estimate for her ministry.

    She holds the position that the cost of passports must be increased as the cost of producing the booklets has surged.

    “Ghanaians pay just about GH¢100 for a passport, To produce one passport booklet, it costs GH¢400, which means that for every passport that an applicant acquires, the government has to put in GH¢300 and this is not sustainable,” she said in an interview.

    She also informed the House to expedite the approval of the surge in passport price since it is high time Ghanaians pay “realistic prices.”

    “On the cost of passports, it is not sustainable, therefore, I will plead with this honourable house to look at the issue for us. It is already before the subsidiary legislation committee, and I’m hoping that Ghanaians will pay realistic prices for passports. At the moment, passports don’t serve as IDs, we have national ID cards. Therefore, those who need passports are those who need them to travel, and I don’t think that they would want us to continue to subsidize it.”

    It is expected that the move to increase passport fees will meet stern resistance from a section of the general public, particularly those adversely affected by the country’s economic crisis.

  • Haiti accepts Kenya’s offer to lead a multinational force

    Haiti accepts Kenya’s offer to lead a multinational force

    Haiti has expressed great interest in Kenya’s offer to lead a multinational force to restore order in the country.

    Haiti’s Foreign Minister, Jean Victor Geneus, conveyed his appreciation for the expression of African solidarity.

    Amidst a surge in gang violence and facing a deep security, political, and humanitarian crisis, Haiti seeks assistance in stabilizing the situation.

    Kenyan Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua acknowledged that an immediate resolution to Haiti’s problems might not be feasible. However, the mission aims to bring stability to the nation and facilitate the training of a competent Haitian police force.

    Mr. Mutua emphasized that the people of Haiti have endured significant suffering, and Kenya feels a sense of responsibility to support their brothers and sisters in the African diaspora.

  • Tunisia’s president sacks foreign minister, Othman Jerandi

    Tunisia’s president sacks foreign minister, Othman Jerandi

    The presidency has announced that Tunisian President Kais Saied has fired the country’s Foreign Minister, Othman Jerandi.

    In place of Mr. Jerandi, the president named Nabil Ammar as Tunisia’s ambassador to the European Union. 

    He didn’t provide a justification for firing Mr. Jerandi.

    With the replacement of the ministers of trade, agriculture, and education, Mr. Jerandi is the fourth minister to lose his job this year.

    President Saied implemented a number of measures in order to increase the presidency’s power at the expense of the legislative and judicial branches in 2021.

    Opposition parties boycotted the 2022 parliamentary elections, accusing the president of staging a coup after shutting down parliament in 2021 and giving himself almost unlimited executive powers.

    Just about 11% of Tunisians turned out for a second round of parliamentary voting last month.

    There has been a deepening political and economic crisis, amid protests by Tunisians increasingly frustrated with the state of the economy and against Mr. Saied’s seizure of near total power.

  • Russia warns Moldova not to threaten its troops in breakaway region

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Moldova risks triggering military confrontation with Moscow if it threatens Russian troops in the breakaway region of Transdniestria.

    Russia has stationed peacekeeping troops in Transdniestria since the early 1990s, when an armed conflict saw pro-Russian separatists wrest most of the region from Moldovan control.

     

    “Everyone should understand that any action that would threaten the security of our troops (in Transdniestria) would be considered under international law as an attack on Russia, as was the case in South Ossetia when our peacekeepers were attacked by (former Georgian President Mikheil) Saakashvili,” Lavrov said.

    The government in Chisinau, stressing it was committed to peaceful dialogue over the future of the region, said it would summon the acting Russian ambassador to make clear its position.

    Source; Aljazeera