Prince David Osei Blames Minister Ablakwa for U.S. Visa Policy Rollback

Ghanaian actor and New Patriotic Party (NPP) member Prince David Osei has publicly held Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, responsible for the recent U.S. decision to reduce visa privileges for Ghanaian citizens.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Osei labeled the policy shift—which decreases eligible Ghanaian visas from five‑year, multiple-entry to a three‑month, single-entry arrangement—a “diplomatic misstep” with real-world consequences for students, business professionals, tourists, and families relying on U.S. access 

According to Osei, the trigger for the downgrade came during a tense exchange between Minister Ablakwa and members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The actor criticized what he described as a “defensive and dismissive” tone, particularly pointing to the minister’s assertion that he “personally did not incur debt.” Osei argued this failed to address the broader responsibilities of the Ghanaian government and lacked the “tact, humility, and strategic communication” fundamental to diplomacy 

Highlighting the stakes, Osei emphasized that “this diplomatic failing now directly affects the lives of ordinary citizens,” as Ghanaians must navigate a more difficult U.S. visa process

He also highlighted inconsistencies in the government’s messaging: invoking both Ghana’s independence and calls for reparations, Osei suggested the mixed narrative weakened the country’s stance as a sovereign actor 

Prince David Osei’s recommended steps include:

1. Immediate damage control – urging the Foreign Ministry to issue clarifications or conduct quiet diplomacy affirming Ghana’s commitment to its relationship with the U.S.

2. Citizen‑centred policy framing – ensuring visa discussions account for the impact on affected Ghanaians.

3. Messaging alignment across ministries – to create a coherent foreign-policy narrative.

4. Enhanced diplomatic training – equipping officials with emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and strategic communication skills

Osei concluded with a plea to restore Ghana’s historic reputation as a diplomatic leader in Africa: “Ghana has long been respected… Let’s not allow one misstep to define our global standing.” 

Context & Reactions:

• The U.S. visa roll‑back has been a major concern, affecting multiple sectors in Ghana.

• Tensions have escalated between NPP and opposition figures, adding a political dimension.

• The Foreign Ministry and Minister Ablakwa have yet to publicly respond to Osei’s criticisms.

Conclusion:
Prince David Osei’s statement reflects a broader alarm over the visa policy change and its ramifications. His public criticism of the foreign minister signals political and civil society pressures on Ghana’s diplomatic leadership to quickly mend its relationship with the United States.