Closure & Reopening Of Ghana’s US Embassy Is A Shame! … Says Jinapor

The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament has slammed the closure and abrupt reopening of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., describing it as a “needless embarrassment” that has cast a shadow over Ghana’s diplomatic reputation.

The Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, MP for Damongo, in a statement on Thursday, May 29, 2025 condemned the move announced on Facebook by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as diplomatically inappropriate, procedurally flawed and internationally humiliating.

“The closure and reopening of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington DC is an embarrassment to our country. It was a rushed, kneejerk and populist action that has brought the name of our country into disrepute”, Jinapor stated

The closure, announced in the early hours of Monday, May 26, 2025 reportedly followed allegations of malfeasance involving certain individuals within the embassy.

But according to the Minority, the method of communication via Facebook undermined standard diplomatic practice and international norms.

“Declaring a foreign mission ‘closed’ on Facebook without any broader engagement through official diplomatic channels not only offends international norms, but also risks undermining Ghana’s credibility on the global stage,” Jinapor emphasised.

The Embassy was reopened just three days later, raising questions about the depth of thought and strategic planning behind the initial decision. The Minority believes this quick reversal confirms the move was ill-considered and diplomatically improper.

“This is evidence that the decision was not well-thought through. Sensitive national matters should be managed with prudence and respect for institutional processes,” the statement said.

Mr Jinapor acknowledged the need to investigate any wrongdoing within the Embassy, but cautioned against sweeping actions that tarnish the image of Ghana’s Foreign Service and undermine the morale of its officers.

“We fully support any action that will lead to a full investigation and ensure accountability. But in so doing, it is important that we do not resort to actions that bring the name of our country into disrepute. The entire Foreign Service is now demoralised, he noted.”

The Minority expressed concern over the suspension of all local staff, the dissolution of the Embassy’s IT department and the immediate recall of Foreign Service officers. These measures, according to the Caucus, collectively paint dedicated officers with the same brush as the few who may be implicated in wrongdoing.

“The sweeping nature of the measures and how they were communicated have regrettably cast a shadow over the collective integrity of our Foreign Service,” the statement read.

The group also raised alarm over reports that the Minister plans to cross-post all Foreign Service officers who have served more than two years at their current missions.

They argue that such a measure, undertaken outside normal rotation cycles, will have significant fiscal implications.

“These measures could cost the country millions of dollars in repatriation costs, travel expenses, relocation allowances and possible compensation for premature termination of assignments,” Jinapor warned.

He described the entire episode as avoidable and called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently restore the integrity of the diplomatic service and morale of its officers.

“Ghana has become a butt of jokes in diplomatic circles,” he said, adding “we urge the Ministry to reflect on this misstep and take immediate corrective steps.”

Mr. Jinapor reaffirmed the Minority’s commitment to defending the national interest and maintaining Ghana’s dignity on the global stage.

“We remain committed to upholding the integrity of our nation and defending her interests, both at home and abroad. We will continue to hold government accountable in the prosecution of its foreign policies,” he concluded.

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