A fierce political storm is brewing following the United States’ latest decision to shorten visa validity and limit entry privileges for Ghanaian applicants. The revised policy, which affects non-immigrant visas including the popular B-class category used for business and tourism, now restricts Ghanaians to single-entry visas valid for only three months.
While many Ghanaians digest this significant change, prominent broadcaster Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has ignited public discourse with strong criticism aimed at Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs under the Mahama administration. Afrifa-Mensah believes the minister’s combative online behaviour may have influenced the strained diplomatic climate that led to the U.S. action.
On his show, For the Records, Afrifa-Mensah expressed concerns about what he described as Ablakwa’s unfiltered public remarks directed at high-ranking U.S. officials. He alleged that instead of exercising discretion in foreign diplomacy, Ablakwa has turned social media into his stage for confronting foreign senators, particularly U.S. Senator James E. Risch—a senior figure in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
This diplomatic rift escalated after Senator Risch criticised Ghana’s financial priorities, arguing that the country continues to channel significant repayments to China while failing to honour obligations to U.S. companies. Risch suggested that Ablakwa’s time would be better spent resolving such issues rather than embarking on diplomatic trips.
Rather than softening tensions, the Ghanaian minister responded sharply, shifting the conversation to the issue of historical injustices. He argued that the U.S. should instead be focusing on reparations for its past involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Ablakwa also invoked Ghana’s independence legacy, suggesting that the country’s sovereignty should not be compromised by external pressure.
Afrifa-Mensah has warned that Ablakwa’s confrontational approach could damage the image of the Mahama administration and affect Ghana’s international relations. He further insinuated that if such behaviour continues unchecked, it may become a political liability for the current government.
The unfolding spat between Ghana’s foreign office and U.S. officials highlights the delicate balance required in international diplomacy—and raises questions about how social media exchanges are reshaping modern foreign policy engagements. With tensions high and public reactions divided, all eyes remain on how the Mahama government will manage the fallout.
