Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has become a household name and an inspiration to young men and women both in Ghana and across the African continent.
A native of Aveyime in the North Tongu Constituency of the Volta Region, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is serving his fourth term as a Member of Parliament.
His dedication to duty and commitment to bringing real change in both his constituency and the ministries he has served have earned him widespread commendation.
A Trailblazer in Leadership
Hon. Ablakwa has made history as Ghana’s youngest Foreign Affairs Minister, and he is already making significant strides in strengthening diplomatic ties and ensuring that Ghana’s presence on the global stage is felt. His tenure has seen the introduction of progressive policies aimed at improving foreign relations and making the ministry more accessible to ordinary Ghanaians.
A hardworking and intelligent young politician from Ghana’s pioneering democratic political party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ablakwa’s unique leadership abilities were recognized early. This led to his appointment as Deputy Minister of Information (2009-2013) and later as Deputy Minister of Education (2013-2017). While serving as Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Tertiary, he defied expectations by effectively managing relations with lecturers and professors, earning admiration for his maturity and competence. His exemplary performance led many political analysts to predict that he would eventually become a substantive Education Minister under President Mahama.
Transformational Impact as Foreign Affairs Minister
As the 44-year-old Foreign Affairs Minister, Ablakwa has redefined political leadership in Ghana, championing inclusivity and serving all citizens, irrespective of their tribe, religion, or political affiliation. His tenure has been marked by bold reforms, including:
Making passport acquisition easier and more affordable by reducing fees from GHS500 to GHS350.
Implementing 24-hour passport office operations with three working shifts.
Introducing a door-to-door passport delivery system, significantly reducing processing time.
Setting up a Student Desk to address concerns of Ghanaian students abroad.
Strengthening diplomatic missions with measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to enhance their effectiveness.
In February 2025, under his leadership, Ghana made history at the African Union (AU) by securing key positions, including:
Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah – AU Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs, and Social Development.
Ambassador Jane Gasu Aheto – AU Commissioner for International Law.
Lawyer Kwami Eden Senanu – Re-elected to the AU Advisory Board against Corruption (AUABC).
These achievements have significantly boosted Ghana’s international standing and diplomatic influence.
Hon. Ablakwa also signed an Exchange of Notes with His Excellency Yoshimoto Hiroshi, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, to unlock a grant of 1.92 billion Japanese Yen (US$13 million) for the Stabilization of Electricity Supply in Tamale City.
Dedication to National Development and Anti-Corruption Efforts
Ablakwa has been a relentless advocate for transparency and accountability. He played a crucial role in exposing corruption and inefficiencies under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, championing what he termed “state capture” investigations. As Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loots (ORAL) task force, he led efforts to retrieve state assets allegedly misappropriated under the NPP government.
His leadership in Parliament has also been widely praised. As Chairman of the Assurances Committee and former Ranking Member for Foreign Affairs, his commitment to holding the executive accountable has been lauded. Former Majority Leader and now Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, once remarked, “I commend the respected Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for transforming the Assurances Committee into one of the most influential committees in Parliament.”
A People’s Representative and Humanitarian Leader
Hon. Ablakwa’s leadership transcends politics; he is deeply connected to his constituents. The Chiefs and people of North Tongu have honoured him with the title Torgui Wordgedzi, recognizing his unwavering dedication to their welfare. During the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage crisis, he was at the forefront, providing relief and advocating for compensation for affected residents. His persistent efforts resulted in the allocation of GHS245 million in the 2025 national budget for rebuilding efforts and victim support.
Some of his major interventions include:
Medical Outreaches: Organizing free health screenings and donating medical supplies to hospitals nationwide.
Education and Youth Empowerment: Offering scholarships and financial assistance to students.
The Footwear and Dress Bank Project: Providing clothing and shoes to underprivileged children.
Infrastructure Development: Supporting the construction of the Atta Mills Surgical Block and rehabilitating roads and schools.
Humanitarian Support: Covering medical bills for vulnerable individuals and financing the construction of homes for flood victims.
His grassroots approach to governance—personally visiting hard-to-reach areas and engaging directly with his constituents—has endeared him to the people. On one occasion, he opted for a canoe ride to interact with communities along the riverbanks, stating, “I want you to experience what my people go through daily.”
The Force behind NDC’s 2024 Victory
Many credit Ablakwa for his significant role in securing the NDC’s 57% win in the 2024 General Elections. Beyond achieving an overwhelming 93.74% victory for both presidential and parliamentary candidates in his constituency, he was actively involved in campaigning nationwide.
His investigative exposés against the previous administration played a pivotal role in shaping public perception and mobilizing support for the NDC.