Ghana Minute.
Monday, 15 June 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 15 June 2026
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Ghanaian press · Person

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa

Also known as: Mr. Ablakwa · Mr Ablakwa · Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa · Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa · Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa · Mr Okudzeto Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister leading Ghana's diplomatic responses to regional crises including South African xenophobic attacks and trade negotiations.

2026-04-252026-06-15
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026

  2. Joy Online

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured that no Ghanaian in South Africa who wishes to return home will be excluded from the planned evacuation exercise, following clarification over reports of a supposed chartered flight. …

    Ablakwa clarifies South Africa evacuation reports, assures support for all Ghanaians

  3. Joy Online

    … Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced the measures ahead of the arrival of the first group of evacuees in Accra on Thursday. …

    Government announces support package for South Africa evacuees

  4. Joy Online

    The Minority in Parliament has accused Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of failing to lay before Parliament international agreements that require legislative approval, alleging a growing trend of executive overreach in Ghana’s foreign policy processes. …

    Minority accuses Foreign Affairs Minister of sidestepping Parliament over foreign agreements

  5. Joy Online

    … The misinformation surrounding the Christina Koch story became even more concerning when Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, shared the image on Facebook on April 12, 2026, while announcing plans to honour Koch for her achievements. …

    Tecco Mensah writes: Misinformation is an existential threat

  6. Joy Online

    … Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), Minister of Foreign Affairs, for elevating Ghana’s diplomatic profile and advancing diaspora and trade engagement. …

    6th Ghana Minister of the Year Awards slated for June 6

  7. Joy Online

    … In a symbolic gesture of national dignity, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, BenjaminQuashie, hosted him at the Ministry, signaling that no Ghanaian is forgotten. …

    From xenophobia to prosperity: Emmanuel Asamoah launches hardware empire with Ibrahim Mahama’s backing

  8. Joy Online

    … On his arrival in Ghana, Emmanuel was received by key state officials, including Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Benjamin Quashie, who had been instrumental in his relocation, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. …

    ‘We’ll make you a cedi millionaire’ – Ibrahim Mahama to xenophobic attack victim

  9. The Ghanaian Times

    … This was made known by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a Facebook post on Tuesday. …

    Renewed xenophobic attacks: 300 Ghanaians to be evacuated

  10. Joy Online

    … The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this in a Facebook post on Tuesday, May 12, stating that President John Mahama had granted presidential approval for the evacuation exercise. …

    Mahama approves evacuation of 300 Ghanaians from South Africa after xenophobic attacks

  11. Joy Online

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed confidence in the leadership of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the recent wave of xenophobic violence and attacks targeting foreign nationals in parts of South Africa. …

    Ghana counts on your leadership to resolve xenophobic violence – Ablakwa tells Ramaphosa
Sport

Ghana disputes Canadian visa refusal for Partey

The News

Ghana's Sports and Foreign Affairs ministries are engaging with Canadian immigration authorities to challenge a visa refusal for midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars' World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto. Partey faces charges of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, which he has pleaded not guilty to; Canada cited this in refusing him entry, though FIFA stated it does not oversee host country visa decisions.

4 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

Today

  1. Ghana disputes Canadian visa refusal for Partey

    Ghana's Sports and Foreign Affairs ministries are engaging with Canadian immigration authorities to challenge a visa refusal for midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars' World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto. Partey faces charges of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in London, which he has pleaded not guilty to; Canada cited this in refusing him entry, though FIFA stated it does not oversee host country visa decisions.

    4 hours ago · The Ghanaian Times →

Yesterday

  1. Ghana, EU pledge closer cooperation on export compliance

    Ghana and the EU have pledged closer collaboration to help exporters comply with evolving market access requirements, with Ghana's GIPC chief raising concerns about frequent changes to EU regulations including the Deforestation Regulation and sanitary standards. The Foreign Affairs Minister proposed developing a local assessment mechanism to ensure exports meet EU requirements before shipment, and participants agreed on sustained dialogue and technical cooperation to strengthen trade.

    16 hours ago · Joy Online →

Saturday 13 June

  1. Ghana protests Canada's denial of Partey World Cup visa

    Ghana's government has formally protested Canada's refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Teye Partey entry for the nation's opening World Cup match against Panama, citing pending criminal proceedings in the UK. Ghana has characterized the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair" and is pursuing diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to overturn it.

    13 June 2026 · The Chronicle →

  2. Ghana protests Canada's denial of visa to footballer Partey

    Ghana's Foreign Ministry formally protested Canada's refusal of a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent with the presumption of innocence, as it was based on ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom with no conviction. The government has initiated diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to seek a review of the decision.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 12 June

  1. Ghana seeks Canadian visa review for midfielder Thomas Partey

    Ghana is seeking a review of Canada's denial of a visa to Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars' opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto. Sports Minister Kofi Adams says the government has engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to challenge the decision, while Partey remains eligible for Ghana's other group matches.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Ghana repatriates over 5,000 stranded citizens since COVID-19

    Ghana has repatriated more than 5,000 stranded citizens from around the world since the COVID-19 pandemic began, most recently bringing home 327 nationals from Côte d'Ivoire whose homes were destroyed in a demolition exercise. The repatriations follow earlier evacuations from countries including South Africa and the United Kingdom, with contributions from the International Organisation for Migration's voluntary return programme.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Ghana repatriates 327 citizens displaced from Ivory Coast demolitions

    Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the repatriation of 327 Ghanaian nationals from Abidjan after a mass demolition exercise in Port Bouët Municipality left them without housing or livelihoods. The government provided transport for the returnees, and Ivorian authorities have indicated willingness to compensate those affected, with Ghana's diplomatic mission tasked with coordinating the compensation process.

    12 June 2026 · The Chronicle →

  4. Mahama seeks trade-focused Ghana-EU partnership replacing aid model

    President Mahama has called for Ghana-EU relations to shift from traditional aid and development assistance toward trade, investment, innovation and industrialisation, with both sides working toward more strategic and equitable relations that promote shared prosperity. Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Ghana-EU Partnership Dialogue in Accra, he cited changing global conditions—including geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, climate change and technological disruption—as making strong international partnerships more important.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 11 June

  1. EU marks 50 years of partnership with Ghana

    An annual Ghana-EU Partnership dialogue on 11 June 2026 commemorates 50 years of EU presence in Ghana, with President Mahama and Foreign Minister Ablakwa co-chairing discussions on deepening cooperation in security, trade, investment, and development. The EU is Ghana's largest trading partner and source of foreign direct investment.

    11 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Minority demands Foreign Minister briefing on SA evacuation

    Ghana's Parliamentary Minority has called for an immediate briefing from the Foreign Affairs Minister on a government-sponsored evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following xenophobic attacks. The Minority argues Parliament must be fully informed to prevent misinformation and ensure coordinated diplomatic response, noting Ghana's estimated 25,000–30,000 nationals in South Africa and long-standing economic ties with the country.

    10 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Minority demands ministers brief Parliament on floods, evacuations, visa issues

    The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate appearance of three ministers—the Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Works/Housing/Water Resources, and Sports/Recreation—to explain issues including recent Accra flooding, repatriation of Ghanaians from South Africa, and visa challenges related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    9 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Mahama secures 1,840 agricultural equipment units from Belarus

    President John Dramani Mahama has secured a procurement arrangement with Belarus for the supply of 1,840 pieces of agricultural equipment, which he described as deepening economic ties between the two nations. At the first Belarus-Ghana Business Forum in Minsk, Mahama highlighted the complementary strengths of both economies and called for private sectors to forge lasting commercial partnerships.

    9 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Mahama signs three trade and agriculture MoUs with Belarus

    President John Mahama signed three Memoranda of Understanding with Belarus during a state visit, covering a Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, cooperation between the chambers of commerce, and enhanced agricultural collaboration. Mahama highlighted agriculture as a key area, citing opportunities in mechanisation, technology transfer, research, and investment.

    9 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Macron to address reparatory justice conference in Accra

    French President Emmanuel Macron will address a reparatory justice conference in Accra hosted by President John Dramani Mahama, expected to focus on historical injustices linked to transatlantic enslavement of Africans. The conference aims to bring together global leaders and stakeholders to explore practical steps toward addressing historical wrongs and advancing justice-focused dialogue.

    9 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Ghana and Belarus sign three cooperation agreements

    President Mahama held bilateral discussions with Belarusian President Lukashenko during a state visit, resulting in three Memoranda of Understanding covering trade and economic cooperation, enhanced collaboration between chambers of commerce, and agricultural cooperation.

    9 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 8 June

  1. Mahama, Lukashenko sign trade and agriculture pacts

    President John Dramani Mahama held bilateral discussions with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a State Visit, culminating in three Memoranda of Understanding covering a Joint Commission for Trade and Economic Affairs, collaboration between the countries' Chambers of Commerce, and agricultural cooperation.

    8 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

  2. Ghana, South Africa in diplomatic dispute over xenophobia repatriation

    Ghana and South Africa are engaged in a public diplomatic dispute after Ghana's embassy released video footage of evacuees aboard an aircraft. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola accused Ghana of "incomplete information and outright misinformation devoid of any diplomatic decorum," citing concerns that high-profile repatriation media campaigns distort regional migration realities and inflame local tensions.

    8 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Ibrahim Mahama offers 100 jobs to evacuated Ghanaians

    Engineer and Planners CEO Ibrahim Mahama has offered 100 job opportunities to Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks. According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, about 200 jobs have been secured overall from private entities to support the long-term professional rehabilitation of returnees.

    8 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

  4. Finance Minister Ato Forson named Overall Best Performing Minister

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister of Finance, has been named the Overall Best Performing Minister at the 6th Ghana Minister of the Year Awards, recognized for his distinguished service and performance at the Ministry of Finance. The awards ceremony, held in Accra, celebrated excellence in public service and impactful leadership in governance during the 2025 review period.

    8 June 2026 · Daily Guide →

  5. Finance Minister Ato Forson wins Ghana Minister of the Year 2025-2026

    Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Finance Minister, was adjudged Overall Best Minister of the Year 2025–2026 at the 6th Ghana Minister of the Year Awards held in Accra. Other ministers honoured included Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Best Young Minister and John Abdulai Jinapor as Best Innovation Minister.

    8 June 2026 · The Chronicle →

  6. Mahama in Minsk for Ghana-Belarus economic cooperation talks

    President John Dramani Mahama is in Minsk for high-level bilateral talks with Belarusian President Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko, with discussions focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, trade, investment, technology transfer and industrial development. The visit includes signing of four Memoranda of Understanding and a Ghana-Belarus Business Forum.

    8 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  7. Ghana seeks compensation for citizens hit by South African xenophobic attacks

    Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister announced the government has initiated legal and diplomatic processes to secure compensation for Ghanaians who lost businesses, properties, and investments during xenophobic attacks in South Africa, and is conducting documentation to support claims. President Mahama directed efforts to protect affected citizens' interests beyond evacuation, with returnees asked to provide detailed information on lost assets.

    8 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  8. Evacuated Ghanaians pass security screening, enhance nation's image

    Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks have cleared extensive security screening without any criminal links, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He said the outcome vindicated Ghana's reputation as a law-abiding nation and enhanced the country's image following the crisis.

    8 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  9. Government assures evacuated Ghanaians they are valued citizens

    Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed the second batch of about 340 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa following xenophobic attacks, assuring them the government views them as treasures and valuable national assets deserving of protection and support despite losses incurred.

    8 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Sunday 7 June

  1. Ghana evacuates 1,000 citizens from xenophobic violence in South Africa

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana has successfully evacuated about 1,000 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa following recent xenophobic attacks, with government now focused on reintegration support, medical and psychosocial assistance, compensation for lost properties, and job opportunities for returnees.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  2. Ibrahim Mahama offers 100 jobs to evacuees from South Africa

    Billionaire businessman Ibrahim Mahama has offered 100 immediate job opportunities to Ghanaians evacuated from xenophobic violence in South Africa, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. A total of 200 employment openings have been secured by the state in partnership with private companies for the returnees.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  3. Ibrahim Mahama, Telecel, AirtelTigo aid evacuees from South Africa

    Business magnates and multinational corporations have partnered with Ghana's government to provide livelihood restoration and economic integration for citizens evacuated from South Africa following anti-immigrant violence. The Foreign Affairs Minister announced the private sector intervention while welcoming the second batch of 345 evacuees at Accra International Airport.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  4. Ghana pursues compensation for citizens harmed in South Africa violence

    Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that the government is establishing legal processes to secure financial compensation for Ghanaian citizens whose businesses and life savings were destroyed in anti-immigrant violence in South Africa. He made the commitment while welcoming a second batch of 345 evacuees returning to Ghana.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  5. Ablakwa defends Ghanaian evacuees from South African xenophobic violence

    Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended the integrity of Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa due to xenophobic violence, describing them as national treasures. At Accra International Airport on June 6, 2026, while welcoming a second batch of 345 evacuees, Ablakwa rejected hostile rhetoric used by South African vigilante groups that portrayed foreign nationals as criminals and troublemakers.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

  6. Ablakwa urges evacuated Ghanaians to reject national inferiority

    Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed the second batch of 345 Ghanaian nationals evacuated from South Africa following anti-immigrant violence, urging them to see repatriation as an economic opportunity and reject the notion that Ghana is an inferior nation. He cited immigration data showing over 10,000 South Africans have visited Ghana.

    7 June 2026 · Joy Online →

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute