NDC Founder Member endorses Ablakwa for Foreign Ministry job

A Founder Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr Obed Yao Asamoah, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Foreign Minister designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to enhance Ghana’s image among comity of nations and use his contacts to drive foreign direct investment.

That, he said, was aimed at ensuring that President John Dramani Mahama’s modernisation of the industrial sector and sustainable employment for the people would be attained.

Dr Asamoah said Ghana’s prominent role in global affairs required a consensus builder like Mr Ablakwa to lead the charge.

He, therefore, commended President Mahama for making the best choice by nominating Mr Ablakwa, who, over the years had proven to be familiar with global issues and had protected Ghana’s image abroad.

“I have been following the performance of my son, Sammy, over the years,” he said.

Blessing

Dr Asamoah said that when Mr Ablakwa conferred on him at his residence to receive his blessing before taking his role as the Foreign Minister.

The Stateman, now 89, was Ghana’s longest Foreign Minister serving as Foreign Minister for some 16 years between 1981 and 1997 during President Rawlings' era.

He is also the only Foreign Minister to have simultaneously occupied the position of Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

For his part, Mr Ablakwa said he had always been inspired by Dr Asamoah’s achievement, adding that “I am extremely grateful to the extraordinary statesman and member of the NDC’s Council of Elders for receiving me in his home last Saturday, for his kind encouragement, for his blessings, for his generous insights and his perspectives, which was a masterclass”.

“It was additionally refreshing to hear him express confidence that President Mahama will succeed with his foreign policy objectives. God bless all our outstanding patriots for paving the way for the younger generation,” he said.

Profile

President Mahama appointed Mr Ablakwa as Deputy Minister for Education in charge of Tertiary Education in 2013.

His academic credentials include a first degree in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Ghana, an LLB from the University of London, an MSc in Defence and International Politics from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, an MA in Communications and Public Relations from the University of Leicester, and an Executive Certificate in Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Governance.

Before entering national politics, he was the Managing Director of Sawvi Solutions, and prior to that, the University of Ghana Branch Manager of Carrera Computers.
Ablakwa is the recipient of numerous awards, including an honorary doctorate from AMET University in India.