Ablakwa cancels Foreign Ministry’s planned surprise welcome

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has cancelled a planned surprise welcome by ministry staff ahead of his arrival in Ghana on Monday.

The statement, issued Sunday night by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, explained that he only became aware of the planned reception after internal checks with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs management.

According to him, the planned gathering at the Kotoka International Airport was part of a long-standing tradition within the ministry to celebrate major milestones and national achievements.

“I have become aware of an intended surprise welcome by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs scheduled for my arrival in Ghana tomorrow,” he stated.

Ablakwa acknowledged the intention behind the gesture, noting that management had described such receptions as customary during “major accomplishments and proud moments for Ghana.” However, he made it clear he did not support the move.

“I have expressed my appreciation to management for their thoughtful gesture and instructed that all such plans to offer me a surprise welcome at the Airport be cancelled immediately,” he said.

He stressed that the development being celebrated should not be reduced to personal recognition, adding that more work lies ahead for the ministry.

“I would have strongly opposed the idea if I had been consulted. This is not a personal victory, and besides, there is more work ahead of us,” Ablakwa emphasized.

The minister’s comments follow the circulation of a leaked internal memo on social media, which directed staff of the ministry to gather at the airport to welcome him.

He is returning from an international engagement where Ghana played a leading role in securing global support to declare the transatlantic slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.

The planned reception triggered mixed reactions online, with some critics questioning the appropriateness of such ceremonies amid ongoing national challenges.

In his closing remarks, Ablakwa shifted focus to collective national progress, praising the ministry’s workforce while urging continued dedication to Ghana’s global agenda.

“God bless all our dynamic and talented staff at the MFA and bless our dear country even more to keep winning on the global stage under the guidance of President John Mahama,” he added.