MINORITY WARNS ABLAKWA:KEEP DIPLOMACY OFF SOCIAL MEDIA

The Minority Caucus in Ghana’s Parliament has issued a word of caution to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, urging him to avoid conducting diplomatic engagements through social media platforms. According to the Minority, such actions undermine the principles of conventional diplomacy and may have implications for Ghana’s international relations.

Their concern centers on Ablakwa's consistent use of social media channels to communicate matters of foreign policy and diplomatic interest. The Minority believes that diplomacy, by its very nature, requires tact, discretion, and adherence to established protocols—elements that are often compromised when sensitive matters are publicized online.

This latest advice adds to the ongoing tensions between the Minority and the Minister. During Ablakwa’s vetting and subsequent approval process in Parliament, the Minority openly expressed their dissatisfaction with his nomination. In a symbolic gesture, they washed their hands in public—a traditional act of disapproval—to signal their refusal to be associated with his endorsement.

The vetting process itself was fraught with disruptions, verbal exchanges, and a near-physical confrontation between opposing MPs, further straining relations. Despite being confirmed, Ablakwa’s appointment has remained a point of contention among members of the opposition.

In defense of his approach, the Minister has emphasized transparency and open communication as central to his leadership. He argues that in a digital age, engaging citizens directly through platforms like Twitter and Facebook allows for real-time updates, combats misinformation, and promotes accountability in government affairs.

However, the Minority insists that while public engagement is important, it must not come at the expense of professionalism and diplomatic decorum. They maintain that matters involving international partners should be handled through formal diplomatic channels to preserve Ghana's credibility and respect in the global arena.