The Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC, is facing unprecedented challenges, with many Ghanaians in the US expressing frustration over delays in passport renewals and visa applications. Critics are pointing fingers at Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accusing him of mismanaging the embassy and creating unnecessary complications for applicants.
One major issue is the closure of the embassy and the termination of private courier services, which has led to significant delays in the return of passports to their owners. Many applicants had paid for courier services before the closure, but the embassy’s decision has resulted in additional costs and logistical nightmares.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that passports are now being printed in Ghana and mailed back to the US, causing turnaround delays. The embassy has also reverted to using visa stickers, a move that some see as a step backward.
New staff brought in from Ghana are struggling to manage the workload, leading to backlogs and pressure from Ghanaians, US lawmakers, and the State Department. Travelers are facing additional costs and disruptions due to delayed passports, with some even losing their flights.
Critics accuse Minister Ablakwa of recklessness and a lack of transparency, questioning why he would disrupt the embassy’s operations and create such chaos. They also point to his handling of staff, including the unprofessional sacking of local staff and the use of social media to announce decisions.
As the situation continues to unfold, many are calling for Minister Ablakwa to take responsibility for his actions and work towards resolving the embassy’s challenges. The fate of Ghanaians in the US and the reputation of the Ghanaian government hang in the balance.