Ghanaian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has responded forcefully to recent remarks about Ghana’s debt and foreign policy orientation made by the chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
While Ghana continues to service larger debts to China, the U.S. senator had recommended that the foreign minister should focus on repaying debts owed to American taxpayers and businesses rather than travelling to Washington, D.C.
Ablakwa responded vehemently on social media, calling the senator’s remarks “very rich,” particularly considering that he has not backed reparations for the United States’ involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
He emphasised Ghana’s sovereignty and denounced the alleged double standards., stating, “You will not be allowed to dictate to a sovereign country on how we conduct our foreign policy.”
Addressing the debt issue directly, Ablakwa noted that Ghana would honour its financial commitments “when we deem appropriate based on our prudent economic recovery programme,” clarifying that the current debts were inherited from a previous administration.
The lawmaker reminded the senator that Ghana was the first African country to vanquish colonialism and imperialism under Kwame Nkrumah’s leadership, and that the country’s legacy of independence is still strongly ingrained in its foreign relations and governance.
He compared Ghana’s sense of accountability to America’s alleged disregard for its own historical and moral reparations commitments.
Ablakwa’s comments have struck a chord with many people, who have praised his resolute defense of Ghana’s honor abroad.
The conversation highlights the rising hostilities over financial commitments, historical responsibility, and respect for national sovereignty between emerging countries and superpowers.
NKONKONSA.com
