Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has commended the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for taking prompt and resolute action to protect Ghana’s image following the closure of the country’s embassy in Washington, D.C.

This follows a motion filed by the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, requesting that the Foreign Affairs Minister appear before Parliament to explain what she described as a reckless and non-transparent decision to shut down one of Ghana’s most strategic diplomatic missions.

Addressing a press briefing organised by the leadership of Parliament, Ms Appiagyei raised concerns over what she called an abrupt and poorly communicated move, which, in her view, undermines diplomatic priorities and public accountability.

The decision to temporarily close the embassy was reportedly linked to an alleged corrupt transaction involving a local staff member. In response, Minister Ablakwa took swift action to protect Ghana’s diplomatic reputation and signal zero tolerance for corruption.

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the minister's approach, describing it as necessary and timely. “Sometimes you have to take quick and immediate measures to redeem the image of the country,” Mr Ayariga said. “I will highly commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the swiftness, the steadfastness, and the commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining our reputation as a country that will not tolerate corruption anywhere, anytime, anyhow.”

Addressing public concerns about possible disruptions in consular services, Mr Ayariga assured that any such impact would be minimal. “The disruption is not significant — just about one or two days — and so it will not materialise or affect the services people are requesting,” he stated.

Mr Ayariga concluded by urging Ghanaians to support anti-corruption efforts and commend decisive leadership in the face of such challenges. “We should be commending the minister for taking such an action,” he added.