Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has emerged as one of the most visible and most active ministers in Ghana’s government in 2025, with many pointing to a string of diplomatic, administrative, and people-focused initiatives as evidence of his strong performance at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Since assuming office, the four-term Member of Parliament has prioritised expanding Ghana’s global mobility and diplomatic footprint.

A major highlight has been the successful negotiation of multiple visa waiver agreements aimed at improving travel freedom for Ghanaian passport holders and deepening bilateral relations.

Ghana's foreign policy guided by solidarity, not self-interest - Okudzeto Ablakwa

Most recently, Ghana secured a visa waiver agreement with Antigua and Barbuda, the tenth such agreement achieved since the Mahama administration took office in January 2025.

On the regional front, Ablakwa has been actively engaged in high-level diplomatic talks across West Africa.

These include discussions, for instance, with Ivorian authorities on regional conflict issues and engagements with Nigerian counterparts focused on cooperation, security and economic ties.

Domestically, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has rolled out reforms to address longstanding challenges within the passport system.

Shortly after taking office, he initiated measures to reduce processing delays and improve service delivery for applicants.

As part of his campaign promise, passport offices have now been extended to all 16 regions, a move widely welcomed by the public.

Ablakwa has also focused on improving staff welfare at the ministry, commissioning new transportation arrangements for staff as part of efforts to boost productivity and morale.

Okudzeto Ablakwa takes turn on Government Accountability Series

Beyond traditional diplomacy, the minister has pushed cultural and diaspora engagement as strategic tools of foreign policy.

He recently presented diplomatic passports to some prominent Ghanaian creatives; a gesture supporters say reinforces Ghana’s cultural diplomacy on the global stage.

Ablakwa further played a key role in diaspora engagement, including involvement in organising the 2025 Diaspora Summit.

In several public addresses, Ablakwa has articulated a vision of people-centred and development-oriented diplomacy, anchored on integrity, economic diplomacy and the protection of the welfare of Ghanaians living abroad.

His current profile builds on previous recognitions, including being named among the Most Influential 100 Africans in 2025 and being adjudged Most Impactful MP in 2024, accolades that continue to elevate his national and international standing.

MRA/AE