Ghana’s Foreign Minister-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has consulted with Dr. Obed Yao Asamoah, Ghana’s longest-serving Foreign Minister, ahead of his vetting by Parliament’s Appointments Committee on January 30, 2025.

In a Facebook post following the visit, Ablakwa expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to engage with Dr. Asamoah, who served as Foreign Minister from 1981 to 1997 during the Rawlings administration.

“It has been a genuinely great honour visiting and consulting with Dr. Obed Yao Asamoah, Ghana’s longest-serving Foreign Minister,” Ablakwa wrote.

Highlighting Dr. Asamoah’s contributions to Ghana’s foreign affairs, Ablakwa noted, “Uncle Obed, who is now 89, served as Foreign Minister for some 16 years between 1981 and 1997 during the President Rawlings era. He is also the only Foreign Minister to have simultaneously occupied the position of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.”

The North Tongu MP described the consultation as a valuable learning experience, referring to Dr. Asamoah as an "extraordinary statesman" and commending his insights.

“I am extremely grateful to the extraordinary statesman and member of the NDC’s Council of Elders for receiving me in his home today; for his kind encouragement; for his blessings; for his generous insights; and for his perspectives which was a masterclass,” Ablakwa wrote.

He also noted Dr. Asamoah’s confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s foreign policy vision. “It was additionally refreshing hearing him express confidence that President Mahama will succeed with his foreign policy objectives,” Ablakwa added.

Background

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has been nominated by President Mahama as Foreign Minister, is a seasoned Member of Parliament representing North Tongu since 2009. Known for his advocacy in promoting transparency and accountability, Ablakwa has held several prominent roles in government.

He served as the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee from 2017 to 2024, shaping key discussions on Ghana’s international relations. His political career began in 2009 when he was appointed Deputy Minister for Information under the late President John Evans Atta Mills, making him the youngest Deputy Minister in Ghana’s Fourth Republic at the age of 28.

In 2013, under President Mahama, Ablakwa was reassigned as Deputy Minister for Education, focusing on tertiary education reforms.

His academic credentials include a BA in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Ghana, an LLB from the University of London, and advanced degrees in International Politics and Communications. He also holds an Executive Certificate in Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School.