Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, Member of Parliament for Mampong, has extended a formal welcome to Ghana’s newly appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
While acknowledging their past working relationship in Parliament, Ampratwum-Sarpong also expressed concerns about Ablakwa’s temperament and combative political style, which some believe may not be suitable for the role of Ghana’s chief diplomat.
Rather, he believes with the right “diplomatic guidance and adjustments in political posturing,” Ablakwa could become an effective top diplomat for Ghana.
“This is due to my observation that Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa’s confrontational posture while in Opposition was driven by his misconception about the role of the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
“As a result, he fought, opposed, alleged, wildly speculated, played mischief, and accused, erroneously believing that as a member of the Opposition, his remit was to oppose every Government initiative, regardless of it being in the national interest.”
Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong
Ampratwum-Sarpong stressed that diplomacy requires tact, restraint, cooperation, and compromise—qualities that contrast with the confrontational nature of domestic politics.
He noted that diplomacy operates in a vastly different environment from the politically charged and polarized atmosphere of Parliament. To achieve foreign policy goals, he emphasized the need for collaboration with all stakeholders rather than engaging in partisan battles.
He underscored the importance of building strong relationships with diplomats, foreign partners, and bureaucrats, highlighting that the Foreign Minister must be a tactful and respectful ally to all, rather than an adversary.
Representing the entire nation on the global stage, the Minister’s role transcends party lines and demands neutrality in international engagements.
He also cautioned against viewing dissenting voices as opponents, urging the Foreign Minister to foster cooperation and consensus, even with those who may disagree.
The role, he explained, requires a deep understanding of global issues, patience, adaptability, and above all, unwavering loyalty to the State over partisan interests.
Guarding Against Diplomatic Missteps
Furthermore, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong cautioned Ablakwa against making careless statements, highlighting the potential consequences both domestically and internationally.
He stressed the importance of precision in articulating Ghana’s foreign policy to avoid misinterpretation. It is always safer to withhold a statement that should have been made than to make one that should not have been said.
He also advised the Foreign Minister to be particularly mindful when engaging in informal conversations with diplomats, emphasizing that even a minor misstep or careless remark, if leaked, could have serious diplomatic repercussions.
“NON-PARTISAN group of foreign policy advisors who will not flatter you but be frank with you. And please listen to advice from career diplomats, bureaucrats, and various experts in international relations.
“Our foreign service officers at the Ministry are very professional, and I am confident that they will give you the necessary professional support at all times.”
Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong
Reflecting on Ghana’s rising international profile under President Nana Akufo-Addo and former Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Ampratwum-Sarpong urged Ablakwa to sustain this legacy.
“Under the stewardship of President Nana Akufo-Addo and Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, Ghana has risen to new heights of international esteem in the last eight years.
“As you have yourself acknowledged publicly, we have not only become the destination of choice for all Blacks in the Diaspora but have also become the principal advocates of Pan-Africanism on the global stage.”
Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong
He underscored Ghana’s growing international stature, citing the country’s successful hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) headquarters, its tenure on the UN Security Council, and its role in organizing high-profile conferences such as the Reparations for Slavery Conference, the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference, and the Accra Declaration.
These milestones, he noted, have reinforced Ghana’s reputation as a respected leader on the continent.
Ampratwum-Sarpong advised Ablakwa to uphold Ghana’s strong diplomatic standing by conducting himself with professionalism and dignity in international affairs.
He encouraged him to build a legacy of integrity and diplomacy that would serve him well beyond his tenure.
He also cautioned against engaging in politically divisive activities that could undermine his role, urging him to distance himself from partisan engagements that contradict his new responsibility as a representative of all Ghanaians, both locally and abroad.
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