Ablakwa Demands Apology from Minority Caucus Over "Smuggling" Allegations

The Minister of Foreign Affairs Designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has fired back at the Minority caucus in parliament, demanding an unqualified apology over claims that he was "smuggled" into the vetting committee hearings.

Ablakwa's response came during his vetting for the Foreign Minister position, where he expressed strong reservations about the allegations made by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. According to Afenyo-Markin, Ablakwa was not scheduled to appear before the Appointments Committee but was smuggled in by the Majority at the last minute.¹

Ablakwa swiftly debunked these claims, sharing a letter from the clerk of the committee that scheduled him for vetting on January 30, 2025. He argued that Afenyo-Markin's accusations were not only unfounded but also damaging to his reputation, implying that he misled high-profile individuals who accompanied him to the vetting.

The North Tongu MP turned the tables, suggesting that the committee should apologize to the chiefs who traveled from afar to attend the hearing, including some from the Ashanti region. Ablakwa also highlighted claims by another minority member, Vincent Asaffuah, accusing him of employing "backdoor tactics." He wondered aloud whether there was a coordinated effort to tarnish his reputation.

In a bold move, Ablakwa rejected Afenyo-Markin's claims, asserting that he had been properly invited and didn't "smuggle" himself into the session. The Chairman of the Committee, Bernard Ahiafor, subsequently apologized on behalf of the Committee, vindicating Ablakwa's stance.

This development adds another layer to the complex dynamics at play in Ghana's parliament. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Ablakwa is not backing down, and the Minority caucus will have to respond to his demands for an apology.