Okudzeto Ablakwa calls off planned airport reception after Ghana’s UN reparations breakthrough

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has directed staff of the Ministry to cancel plans for a ceremonial “surprise welcome” at Kotoka International Airport, stressing that Ghana’s recent diplomatic achievement at the United Nations should not be treated as a personal triumph.

In a Facebook post ahead of his arrival in Ghana, Mr Ablakwa revealed he had learned of arrangements by ministry staff to receive him in recognition of the milestone an internal practice sometimes observed after major national successes. He said he immediately asked that the plans be halted.

“I have expressed my appreciation to management for their thoughtful gesture and instructed that all such plans to offer me a surprise welcome at the Airport be cancelled immediately,” he stated.

Mr Ablakwa, who joined John Dramani Mahama as part of Ghana’s delegation to the UN, played a key role in the country’s diplomatic campaign supporting a landmark resolution on reparations related to the transatlantic slave trade.

The resolution, championed by President Mahama, was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, marking a significant step forward in global advocacy for reparatory justice.

Speaking upon his return to Ghana on Sunday, March 29, President Mahama publicly praised Mr Ablakwa and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their extensive diplomatic outreach in rallying international support for the resolution.

“But before I go to the statement I want to thank my Foreign Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa: I gave the guidance but they did the leg work. The thousands of kilometres he travelled from country to country, canvassing support for this resolution, must be acknowledged,” the President said.

Despite the recognition, Mr Ablakwa emphasised that the achievement belongs to Ghana collectively rather than any individual.

“This is not a personal victory, and besides, there is more work ahead of us,” he noted.

He also commended staff of the Ministry for their dedication and professionalism, reaffirming Ghana’s determination to continue advancing its diplomatic priorities internationally.

“God bless all our dynamic and talented staff at the MFA and bless our dear country even more to keep winning on the global stage under the guidance of President John Mahama,” he added.

Ghana’s success at the United Nations has attracted global attention, reinforcing the country’s growing leadership role in ongoing international discussions on reparations and historical justice.