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Ablakwa bids farewell to acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson, touts major diplomatic gains
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hosted the acting United States Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Rolf Olson, to a farewell meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Accra.
Mr. Olson, who served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, is ending his duty tour in Ghana. Describing him as an incredible friend of Ghana, Mr. Ablakwa said the two countries achieved significant milestones during his tenure.
At the top of the list of accomplishments, the Minister pointed to the successful negotiations with US authorities in Washington to remove Ghana from President Donald Trump’s visa bans.
He also announced that the 5-year multiple-entry visas for Ghanaians had been restored, noting that Ghana is among very few countries to achieve such reversals.
On trade, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that Ghana secured a special dispensation under President Trump’s new tariff regime.
He said Ghana’s textile industry was protected following the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a move he described as critical to jobs and local industry.
The two officials also reflected on their collaboration in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which saw Ghana’s troops airlifted to Jamaica to assist with rescue and reconstruction efforts.
Mr. Ablakwa described the Ghanaian troops as gallant and said the operation demonstrated the strength of Ghana-US cooperation in times of crisis.
During the meeting, Chargé d’Affaires Olson briefed the Foreign Minister on progress made in the investigations into the death of Javits Frimpong.
Both nations, Mr. Ablakwa said, strongly agree that everything must be done to secure justice for Javits.
He used the opportunity to commend the US Embassy in Accra, President Trump, and New York Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani for their swift assistance in issuing visas for the mother of Javits and his cousin.
Mr. Ablakwa acknowledged that Ghana and the US do not always agree on all matters, citing Ghana’s recent disapproval of the US health pact and its principled position on reparatory justice.
“However, we deeply value our ancestral friendship and solidarity,” he said.
He assured that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s diplomatic missions across the world will continue to prioritize the welfare and dignity of all Ghanaians abroad.
“For God and Country,” he concluded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has temporarily suspended all date of birth changes on the Ghana Card across the country.
The suspension takes effect from Monday, November 9, 2026, and will remain in force until further notice.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Authority said the decision followed a review of its date of birth update process, which revealed the need for stronger safeguards.
The NIA said it was engaging key institutions, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Births and Deaths Registry, to strengthen the guidelines for processing such requests.
It explained that the consultations were aimed at ensuring a transparent, credible and standardised system for handling date of birth changes.
During the suspension, no new applications for date of birth changes will be accepted or processed at any NIA office nationwide. Requests already being processed will also not be approved.
The Authority said it would notify the public once the consultations were completed and the revised guidelines were ready.
It apologised for any inconvenience caused and appealed to the public for understanding and cooperation.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Judicial Service of Ghana has announced the suspension of the industrial action by the Judicial Service Staff Association of Ghana (JUSAG) and the Senior Staff Association of the Judicial Service of Ghana (SSAJUG).
In a press release dated November 9, 2026, the Judicial Service said the decision followed productive discussions between the leadership of the two associations and management, resulting in a mutual understanding.
It has consequently directed all staff to resume work with immediate effect, with courts across the country expected to resume normal sittings on Tuesday, November 10.
The Service expressed regret over the disruption caused by the strike and apologised to President John Dramani Mahama, the Executive arm of government, the Speaker of Parliament and Members of Parliament, the legal profession and the general public.
It particularly apologised to court users who experienced inconvenience during the industrial action.
The Judicial Service reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the smooth and timely delivery of justice and thanked stakeholders for their patience and understanding as efforts continue towards a lasting resolution of the issues raised.
By: Jacob Aggrey
