Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has praised Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his prompt and decisive action in safeguarding Ghana’s international reputation following the temporary closure of the Ghanaian embassy in Washington, D.C.

His comments come in the wake of a motion filed by Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, calling on the Foreign Affairs Minister to appear before Parliament to explain what she described as a reckless and opaque decision to shut down one of Ghana’s most critical diplomatic missions.

Speaking at a press briefing organised by Parliament’s leadership, Ms. Appiagyei criticised the closure as abrupt and poorly communicated, arguing that it undermines the country's diplomatic priorities and erodes public trust.

The closure was reportedly linked to an alleged corrupt act involving a local staff member at the embassy.

Minister Ablakwa acted swiftly in response, aiming to preserve Ghana’s diplomatic integrity and send a strong message of zero tolerance for corruption.

Defending the minister’s handling of the situation, Mr. Ayariga said the decision was both necessary and timely.

“Sometimes you have to take quick and immediate measures to redeem the image of the country. I will highly commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the swiftness, the steadfastness, and the commitment to fighting corruption and maintaining our reputation as a country that will not tolerate corruption anywhere, anytime, anyhow.”

On concerns about disruptions in consular services, Mr. Ayariga assured the public that the impact would be minimal.

 “The disruption is not significant. Just about one or two days and so it will not materialise or affect the services people are requesting,” he stated.

He concluded by urging Ghanaians to rally behind efforts to combat corruption and support bold leadership in moments of institutional challenge.

“We should be commending the minister for taking such an action,” he said.