Ghana Minute.
Sunday, 20 September 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Sunday, 20 September 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Organization

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Also known as: MFA · Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Government ministry handling Ghana's international relations, consular services, and repatriation of distressed citizens abroad.

2026-04-252026-09-20

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. July 2026
  2. Joy Online

    Addressing a news conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Accra, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the support was designed to help the returnees rebuild their lives after returning under difficult circumstances.

    Ablakwa announces GH¢5,500 support package for South Africa evacuees
  3. Joy Online

    The minister made the remarks when he received the Open Letters of Australia’s High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Her Excellency Keara Shaw, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on Friday, 24 July 2026.

    Ghana seeks Australia’s expertise in sustainable mining, renewable energy
  4. Joy Online

    The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, received the ambassador-designate at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, 24 July 2026, the ministry posted on social media.

    Ghana, Lebanon pledge stronger ties in education, trade and manufacturing
  5. Joy Online

    The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeks to reduce the financial burden on flood victims whose passports were either damaged or lost during the disaster.

    Foreign Affairs Ministry approves 623 free passport replacements for June 29 flood victims
  6. The Chronicle

    The Government of Ghana will resume evacuating Ghanaian nationals from South Africa this week, with the first flights carrying returnees due to land in Accra on Sunday and Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

    Ghana orders new evacuation of 1,000 citizens as South Africa xenophobia crisis deepens
  7. Joy Online

    In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, July 25, the government said the operation is expected to facilitate the voluntary return of about 1,000 Ghanaians, with the evacuation taking place in phases.

    Ghana to evacuate about 1,000 citizens from South Africa amid renewed xenophobic attacks
  8. Joy Online

    Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, announced the final phase of the operation on July 14, explaining that the move was facilitated through the intervention of the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to concerns over th

    Final repatriation phase begins as another batch of Ghanaians is expected to leave South Africa
  9. Joy Online

    The campaign has received support from several key state institutions, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Creative Arts Agency and the Black Star Experience Secretariat.

    Highlife to the World campaign begins global journey with Paris launch
  10. Joy Online

    David Van Weel, on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.

    Ghana, Netherlands deepen security cooperation to combat organised crime and drug trafficking
  11. The Ghanaian Times

    As part of her visit, Ms Dlouchy-Suliga also met with officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Council Secretariat and the Ghana Armed Forces to discuss ways of strengthening cooperation and building resilient security institutions.

    EU to boost Ghana’s defence with new support
Politics

Foreign Affairs Ministry seeks special audit of evacuation spending since 2017

The News

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the Auditor-General to conduct a special audit of government-funded emergency evacuation exercises since 2017, including evacuations from COVID-19 (2020), Ukraine (2022), Sudan (2023), and South Africa (2026), to assess how public funds were used and identify lessons for strengthening future emergency preparedness.

16 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. Foreign Affairs Ministry seeks special audit of evacuation spending since 2017

    Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested the Auditor-General to conduct a special audit of government-funded emergency evacuation exercises since 2017, including evacuations from COVID-19 (2020), Ukraine (2022), Sudan (2023), and South Africa (2026), to assess how public funds were used and identify lessons for strengthening future emergency preparedness.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. Ghana spent GH¢27.18m on chartered flights in South Africa evacuation

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed a detailed financial breakdown of the GH¢49.72 million evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, with GH¢27.18 million spent on chartered flights—the operation's single largest expenditure. The exercise brought 1,964 Ghanaians home between 27 May and 4 September 2026, with additional costs covering commercial airline tickets, ground transportation, food, accommodation, and medical services.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online

  3. South Africa evacuation cost GH¢49.72m, half on chartered flights

    Ghana's evacuation of 1,964 citizens from South Africa between May and September 2026 cost GH¢49.72 million, with GH¢27.18 million spent on chartered flights alone. Additional costs included GH¢9.42 million for commercial airline tickets, GH¢997,644 for ground transportation, GH¢634,350 for food, and smaller amounts for accommodation, medical services, and communications.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online

  4. Foreign Affairs Ministry submits evacuation report to Parliament minority

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has submitted a 200-page report to the parliamentary minority detailing the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa between May and September 2026, which cost GH¢49,721,786 in total government and private sector spending.

    17 hours ago · Joy Online

Thursday 17 September

  1. UAE to fund Hajj journey for 344 Ghanaian pilgrims in 2027

    The United Arab Emirates will cover Hajj expenses for 344 Ghanaian pilgrims in 2027 as part of an initiative reflecting the friendship between the two countries, to be implemented in coordination with Ghana's Pilgrims Affairs Office.

    17 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana hosts Japanese astronaut for space cooperation talks

    Ghana hosted Japanese astronaut Dr Koichi Wakata from September 15 to 19, 2026, for discussions on strengthening cooperation in space science, technology and innovation. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasised the importance of international cooperation in space exploration and Ghana's strategic partnership with Japan ahead of the countries' 70-year diplomatic anniversary in 2027.

    17 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Ghana, Japan explore cooperation in space science and technology

    Ghana and Japan are exploring deeper cooperation in space science, technology and innovation. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa hosted Japanese astronaut Dr Koichi Wakata for discussions on international partnerships to support national development, with 2027 marking the 70th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations between the two countries.

    17 September 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 15 September

  1. Jefferson Sackey recounts leaving Foreign Affairs Ministry for politics

    Veteran journalist and communications professional Jefferson Sackey has opened up in his new memoir 'Purpose' about his decision to leave the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2007 to follow then-Foreign Affairs Minister Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo into active politics.

    15 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Minority demands itemised evacuation records from Foreign Ministry

    The Minority in Parliament says the Foreign Affairs Ministry has failed to release detailed expenditure records on nearly GH¢50 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, and will boycott a Wednesday closed-door meeting unless the Ministry provides itemised accounts and supporting documents requested under the Right to Information Act.

    15 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Minority boycotts evacuation briefing over missing GH¢50m breakdown

    Parliament's Minority Caucus says it will not attend a closed-door meeting on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa unless the government provides a detailed breakdown of the GH¢50 million spent on the exercise. The Minority supported the evacuation due to xenophobic threats but says government must account transparently for public funds used.

    15 September 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 14 September

  1. Ghana Embassy pledges enhanced consular support to Ohio diaspora

    The Embassy of Ghana in Washington, D.C., committed to strengthening consular support for Ghanaian communities in Ohio, with Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto stating that the mission is shifting to a proactive model of citizen diplomacy and bringing services directly to local populations. The Embassy has already deployed to Massachusetts, Atlanta, and Texas, and is working to restore online portal access after recent digital infrastructure disruptions.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Latif Abubakar stages theatrical response to Mahama UN slavery resolution

    Veteran playwright Latif Abubakar has created "The Darkest Chapter," a musical dance theatrical production inspired by President Mahama and Foreign Minister Ablakwa's testimony at the UN General Assembly, where Ghana led a resolution (voted 123-3) declaring the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement the gravest crime against humanity.

    14 September 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 12 September

  1. Foreign Minister rewards PRESEC's ninth NSMQ championship win

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and PRESEC alumnus, rewarded the school's NSMQ-winning contestants with MacBooks, teaching staff with laptops, cash, and a holiday treat. He also announced delivery of a special NSMQ bus to the school in December.

    12 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghanaian ordinary passport holders access 41 visa-free countries

    According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghanaian citizens can travel to at least 41 countries across Africa, the Caribbean and other regions without obtaining a visa in advance under visa waiver arrangements, though permitted stay durations vary—most offer up to 90 days, while Grenada, Maldives and Zambia allow 30 days.

    12 September 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 11 September

  1. Ministry seeks family of Ghanaian man found dead in Berlin

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to the public for help locating the relatives of Stephen Kofi Boamah, a Ghanaian whose body was found in an apartment in Berlin, Germany, so authorities can formally notify his family and arrange for his remains.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Minority demands documentary evidence for GH¢49m evacuation costs

    Parliament's Minority has questioned the government's reported GH¢49 million expenditure for evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa, requesting detailed records to verify the spending despite supporting the evacuation itself.

    11 September 2026 · Daily Guide

  3. Maldives, Zambia, Antigua and Barbuda grant visa-free entry to Ghanaians

    Ghanaians holding ordinary, service and diplomatic passports can now travel visa-free to the Maldives and Zambia for up to 30 days, and to Antigua and Barbuda for up to 90 days, under new waiver arrangements announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The agreements do not constitute unrestricted entry; travellers must still meet immigration requirements, carry required documents, and those seeking employment, study or residence must obtain relevant permits beforehand.

    11 September 2026 · Joy Online

Wednesday 9 September

  1. 24-hour economy policy originated in 48-year development plan

    The Chairman of the NDPC says the 24-hour economy policy was conceived in Ghana's 48-year development plan, not under President Mahama's administration, and was later adopted by the NDC government. The 48-year plan also influenced other initiatives including the creation of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation and the Ghana Agency for Development Cooperation.

    9 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. 24-Hour Economy initiative derived from Ghana's 48-year development plan

    The Chairman of the National Development Planning Committee says Ghana's 24-Hour Economy Programme was drawn from the country's 48-year Development Plan, which was not legislated but has yielded several key initiatives including the programme and the naming of the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

    9 September 2026 · Joy Online

Tuesday 8 September

  1. Ghana repatriates nearly 7,000 distressed citizens since 2025

    The Foreign Ministry has facilitated the repatriation of 6,936 distressed Ghanaians since 2025, including 4,972 from countries such as Libya, Cambodia and Kuwait, and 1,964 recently evacuated from South Africa. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government is committed to protecting the welfare and dignity of Ghanaian citizens abroad.

    8 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana to establish Diaspora Consular Fund for emergency aid

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will establish a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to finance emergency assistance, evacuations, and repatriations for Ghanaians in distress abroad. The announcement follows the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa during a resurgence of xenophobic attacks.

    8 September 2026 · Joy Online

Monday 7 September

  1. Opposition seeks itemised account of South Africa evacuation spending

    The Minority in Parliament has called for a detailed breakdown of the GH¢49.7 million reportedly spent by the government on evacuating and reintegrating Ghanaians from South Africa, saying the disclosure must be accompanied by transparency and accountability to enable Parliament and the public to understand how funds were utilised.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana repatriates 4,972 citizens from 10 countries since 2025

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repatriated 4,972 Ghanaians from distress situations across ten countries since 2025, with the largest number (3,807) coming from Libya. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the repeated evacuations have placed significant financial and logistical strain on the state, prompting plans to establish a dedicated Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund for emergency financing.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Ghana to establish emergency fund for diaspora citizens in crisis

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to launch a Ghanaian Diaspora Consular Fund to provide emergency support to Ghanaians facing distress or crisis abroad, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced. The initiative follows the government's evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa amid concerns for their safety.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Government spent GH¢33.72m on South Africa evacuation

    The government spent GH¢33.72 million on the emergency evacuation of 1,900 Ghanaians from South Africa, while businessman Ibrahim Mahama's Engineers and Planners contributed GH¢16 million, bringing the total cost to GH¢49.72 million, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

  5. 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa amid xenophobic attacks

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that 1,964 Ghanaian nationals have been evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks and deteriorating security conditions. The evacuation, which ran from May 27 to September 4, 2026, prioritised vulnerable groups and was undertaken using both chartered and commercial flights, with Ghana being the first country to evacuate its nationals in response to the escalating tensions.

    7 September 2026 · Joy Online

Sunday 6 September

  1. Accra Airport VIP Lounge project to complete this year

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the VIP Lounge project at Accra International Airport will be completed and handed over before the end of the year without taxpayer funds, financed entirely through corporate social responsibility contributions from local Ghanaian businesses.

    6 September 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 5 September

  1. African youth forum in Accra demands debt cancellation, reparations

    Pan-African activists and youth gathered at the University of Ghana for an International Youth Forum on Debt and Reparations, arguing that Africa's economic challenges stem from legacies of slavery, colonialism, and external control. The forum, organized by the Pan-African Progressive Front, called for African youth to lead campaigns for debt cancellation and reparatory justice as linked issues of economic sovereignty.

    5 September 2026 · The Chronicle

Friday 4 September

  1. Norway seizes Russian ship over Crimea compensation claim

    Norway seized the Russian vessel Professor Molchanov off Svalbard to enforce a $4.22bn compensation award won by Ukrainian energy firm Naftogaz against Russia at The Hague tribunal in 2023, following Russia's failure to pay for assets seized in Crimea. Russia called the action "piracy" and said it would challenge the ruling.

    4 September 2026 · The Chronicle

Thursday 3 September

  1. Foreign Affairs Ministry commends Fourth Estate attestation investigation

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended The Fourth Estate for an investigative report into attestation services and announced measures to improve the service and prevent middlemen. The Ministry clarified that the person implicated in the investigation is not its staff member, stating he has been sanctioned by his institution, reported to law enforcement, and prohibited from entering the Ministry's premises.

    3 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

Ministry of Foreign Affairs — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute