Veteran journalist Kwesi Pratt Jnr has advised Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to step back from handling routine ministry matters. Pratt, Managing Editor of The Insight Newspaper, expressed concern that Ablakwa's hands-on approach could cost him his job, especially with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) pushing for his dismissal. Speaking on Metro TV's Good Morning Ghana, Pratt emphasized that the minister's role is too sensitive for him to be involved in every administrative issue.
Pratt suggested that Ablakwa should allow deputy ministers, a chief director, and directors in charge of various desks to perform their duties without interference. He argued that the minister should only intervene when all other channels have failed. According to Pratt, this approach would help Ablakwa distance himself from potential fallouts of administrative actions. He also questioned why Ablakwa, rather than the ministry's public relations office, handles communication on administrative matters.
The NPP has been critical of Ablakwa, with its Youth Wing recently petitioning President John Dramani Mahama to remove him from office over alleged financial irregularities. The party claims that the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa cost GH¢49.72 million and is demanding an independent audit of the exercise. The NPP also wants the publication of supporting invoices and payment records, as well as investigations into claims that diplomatic and service passports were sold.
Ablakwa has been visible on several fronts recently, including announcing that Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to halt the recruitment of Ghanaians for the war in Russia. He has also faced scrutiny over the $21.19 billion figure tied to the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) initiative. Francis-Xavier Sosu's aide, Martin Kpebu, claimed that the figure represented Ablakwa's personal view rather than an official government position.
Pratt's remarks have sparked debate about the role of ministers and the need for proper orientation after appointment. He believes that political loyalty and campaign support should not be the only qualifications considered before handing someone a public office. According to Pratt, ministers should focus on policy and allow officials to handle administrative tasks.
The NPP's National Youth Organiser, Abanga Fuseini Yakubu, led a demonstration in Accra, presenting the petition to the Presidency. The party is demanding action against Ablakwa, citing concerns about his handling of ministry affairs. Neither the Foreign Affairs Ministry nor Ablakwa has issued a public response to the NPP's demands or Pratt's remarks.
The controversy surrounding Ablakwa's tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister continues to unfold. While Pratt's advice aims to caution Ablakwa, the NPP's demands for his dismissal remain a challenge to the minister's position. The situation highlights the complexities of Ghana's politics and the scrutiny faced by public officials.
Key points
- Kwesi Pratt Jnr advises Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to delegate routine tasks to officials
- NPP demands independent audit of evacuation costs and Ablakwa's dismissal
- Ablakwa faces scrutiny over ORAL initiative and recruitment of Ghanaians for war in Russia
