A photo collage of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah

Media personality Okatakyie Afrifa-Mensah has cautioned President John Dramani Mahama over the actions of his Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accusing him of potentially damaging the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government.

According to Afrifa-Mensah, Ablakwa’s posture on the international stage could have dire consequences for Ghana, and he therefore advised Mahama to relieve the minister of his post.

His comments follow the United States government's recent revision of its visa reciprocity policy for Ghana, which has seen a significant reduction in both the validity period and the number of entries permitted for most non-immigrant visa categories.

Under the updated guidelines issued by the US Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs, Ghanaian nationals applying for business and tourism visas (B-class) will now be issued single-entry visas valid for just three months.

This marks a departure from the previous policy, which allowed multiple entries over periods ranging from one to five years.

Speaking on his "For the Records" show on July 9, 2025, Okatakyie lambasted the minister for his recent spat with a top-ranking member of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Senator James E Rischa who had called him out on social media.

He argued that Ablakwa’s undiplomatic behaviour is partly to blame for the new visa restrictions, which he believes will hurt Ghanaian students the most.

“Now Americans are saying all non-immigrant visas will be limited to just three months with single entry because of Okudzeto Ablakwa,” Afrifa-Mensah said.

“Today, he is acting as Foreign Affairs Minister on social media, attacking American senators. But someone of his diplomatic standing shouldn't speak carelessly. Even if you are a Foreign Affairs Minister, you are not on the same level as senators of other nations.

“He is on social media responding to everyone and making calls at the embassy, is that his work?”

He warned that if not checked, Ablakwa’s conduct could contribute to the downfall of Mahama's government.

“One of the people who will destroy Mahama’s government is Okudzeto Ablakwa,” he cautioned.

AM/KA

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