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US Ambassador pays courtesy call on Foreign Affairs Minister
The Ambassador of the United States of America to Ghana, H.E. Virginia E. Palmer, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), at the Ministry’s headquarters in Accra.
The objective of the meeting was to discuss several key areas of mutual concern and collaboration between the two nations.
During the meeting, Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States, emphasizing the importance of addressing shared challenges and opportunities. 
He took the opportunity to seek clarity on several pressing matters, particularly the U.S. government’s suspension of USAID aid to Ghana, the potential withdrawal of the U.S. from the World Health Organization (WHO), and the status of Ghanaian nationals in the U.S. facing deportation.
Ambassador Palmer, in her response, clarified that the suspension of USAID funding was temporary, lasting 90 days to allow for a review of the agency’s operations.
She also expressed hope that aid would resume once the review was completed, though with potentially reduced funding.
On the issue of Ghanaian nationals facing deportation from the United States, Ambassador Palmer noted that approximately 156 undocumented Ghanaians might be affected by U.S. deportation policies, although she assured the Minister that none of those individuals were hardened criminals.
Mr.Ablakwa also noted that if the U.S. withdrew from the WHO, it could significantly impact the delivery of vital services to vulnerable populations in Gshana in the implementation of some public health programs, like the fight against diseases like HIV/AIDS and Malaria.
The meeting ended with both parties expressing a commitment to continued collaboration on key issues affecting both nations.
The Ghana High Commission in Pretoria has advised Ghanaians living in South Africa to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures ahead of planned protest activities expected on June 30.
In a public advisory issued on Monday, June 29, the Mission urged Ghanaian nationals to prioritise their safety following a deadline announced by a group known as “March and March” and its affiliated organisations, which could lead to demonstrations and disruptions in parts of the country.
The High Commission advised Ghanaians to stay indoors, especially in central business districts, transport hubs, informal trading areas and other locations where protests may occur.
It encouraged them to temporarily close their businesses where necessary and avoid unnecessary movement until the situation stabilises.
The Mission further urged members of the Ghanaian community to avoid confrontations or provocative discussions, including on social media, and to ensure that their passports, residence permits and other identification documents were readily available at all times.
According to the High Commission, emergency telephone lines have been activated to provide assistance and receive reports from Ghanaians who may require help during the period.
It encouraged Ghanaians to remain calm, obey the laws of South Africa and cooperate fully with local authorities.
The Mission advised them to rely only on information from credible official sources and avoid sharing unverified reports or rumours that could create unnecessary panic.
The Ghana High Commission assured the Ghanaian community that it would continue to monitor developments and provide updates when necessary, adding that it remained committed to protecting the welfare of all Ghanaian nationals in South Africa.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticised the government’s handling of the flooding that hit parts of Accra and surrounding communities on Monday, urging it to move beyond what it described as public relations activities and take decisive action to address the country’s flood challenges.
In a press release issued on June 29, the party expressed sympathy to thousands of people affected by the floods but maintained that the government had failed to respond effectively to the recurring disaster.
The NPP noted that communities including the N1 Highway, Apenkwa, Achimota, Kaneshie, Weija, Spintex, Darkuman Junction and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange were flooded after heavy rains.
According to the party, these communities have experienced flooding repeatedly over the years, making it necessary for government to adopt long term solutions.
The NPP argued that the current administration had created confusion by splitting responsibility for flood management between the Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources.
It claimed that the arrangement had resulted in poor coordination, with the two ministries competing over responsibilities instead of working together to address the problem.
The party questioned the decision to place Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe in charge of coordinating flood response efforts.
According to the NPP, he does not have the authority to direct ministers, making the current command structure ineffective.
The opposition party further alleged that some anti flood measures announced by the government had either not been implemented or had been poorly executed.
It claimed that delays in the release of funds for flood mitigation programmes had affected ongoing interventions.
The NPP rejected recent comments by President John Dramani Mahama that flooding was partly caused by poor environmental practices and indiscipline among some citizens.
It argued that while public cooperation was important, the government should take responsibility for designing and implementing effective flood management policies.
The party called on the President to place flood management under one ministry, appoint a single minister to lead the response, and provide a public account of the work and spending of the Anti Flood Task Force.
It also urged the government to work closely with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and technical experts to improve land use planning, sanitation management and drainage infrastructure.
The statement, signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, stressed that the party would continue to hold the government accountable while standing with families affected by the floods.
By: Jacob Aggrey
