Prince David Osei blames Ablakwa for US visa policy changes
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Prince David Osei speaks at a youth event in Accra, weeks before his criticism of Ghana’s foreign diplomacy went viral.
Prince David Osei Slams Foreign Minister Ablakwa Over U.S. Visa Policy Shift
Ghanaian actor and New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Prince David Osei has publicly criticised Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa following the United States’ recent revision of its visa policy toward Ghana. The change reduces Ghanaian citizens’ access to a five-year multiple-entry visa down to a three-month single-entry visa—a move Osei labelled a “diplomatic misstep” with far-reaching consequences.
In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Osei warned that the visa change would disproportionately impact ordinary Ghanaians, especially students, entrepreneurs, tourists, and families who depend on consistent, affordable access to travel for educational, commercial, and personal reasons.
Accusations of Poor Diplomacy
According to Osei, the downgrade is a direct result of poor diplomatic engagement by the Ghanaian government. He specifically blamed the Foreign Affairs Minister’s tone and approach in recent exchanges with the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Rather than addressing the matter with “tact and strategic communication,” Osei said Ablakwa came off as “defensive and dismissive,” especially when he stated that he personally did not incur Ghana’s debt. Osei argued that such a stance failed to reflect the collective responsibility of the Ghanaian government and undermined efforts to build mutual trust with key international partners.
“The issue at hand is not about individual responsibility, but about the obligations of the Ghanaian government as a whole,” he posted.
Mixed Messages on Sovereignty and Reparations
Osei also criticised the inconsistencies in Ghana’s messaging. He pointed out that while Ablakwa invoked the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah and national independence, he also made calls for colonial reparations. While acknowledging both arguments as valid in context, Osei said blending these narratives without a coherent diplomatic strategy only serves to confuse international allies and weaken Ghana’s position as a sovereign nation.
“In diplomacy, timing and clarity are everything,” he stated. “You can’t call for reparations while demanding respect as an equal partner—unless your strategy is sharp and your tone is consistent.”
A Call for Strategic Reform
The actor proposed a series of reforms to help Ghana rebuild trust and stability in its foreign relations, particularly with long-time partners like the United States.
First, he called on the Foreign Affairs Ministry to issue a formal clarifying statement and consider quiet diplomacy to repair relations and reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to bilateral cooperation.
Second, he urged the government to prioritise citizen-focused foreign policy, arguing that diplomatic decisions should reflect their real-world impact on Ghanaians—especially those seeking education or work opportunities abroad.
Third, Osei recommended internal coordination and training among top government officials. He said the current pattern of conflicting messages on sovereignty, debt, and reparations is hurting Ghana’s diplomatic credibility.
He further advocated for the investment in diplomacy training that centres on emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and communication strategy. “Our diplomatic corps should be equipped not just with facts, but with the emotional tools to navigate sensitive geopolitical landscapes,” he added.
Preserving Ghana’s Diplomatic Legacy
Concluding his statement, Prince David Osei reminded the public and government of Ghana’s historic role as a continental leader in diplomacy and governance. He warned against letting one misstep damage that legacy.
“Ghana has long been respected as a leader in African diplomacy and democratic governance. Let’s not allow one misstep to define our global standing,” he wrote.
Osei encouraged officials to take this moment as a wake-up call for more thoughtful, citizen-centred diplomacy—one that restores confidence both at home and abroad.
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