To His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana
Dear Excellency,
I write to you as a concerned Ghanaian-born and a proud Farmer and a Graduate student at the University of Massachusetts in the United States. I bring this appeal not only as a member of the Ghanaian diaspora, but as a deeply patriotic soul who holds the legacy of diplomacy and peace you and your predecessors helped strengthen during your first time as President of the Republic.
Your Excellency, Ghana’s position on the world stage particularly in its relationship with the United States has long been one of pride and mutual respect. It is this treasured relationship that now appears to be strained, and I feel compelled to add my voice in appeal, knowing the pivotal role you continue to play in shaping Ghana’s identity at home and abroad.
Ghana has hosted three consecutive U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama a feat few nations in the world can claim. Each visit affirmed Ghana’s place as a beacon of stability, democracy and promise on the African continent. From the early days of the Fourth Republic to your own administration, Ghana’s presidents have nurtured close ties with U.S. governments, resulting in unprecedented investments in health, education, infrastructure and governance.
Your own leadership continued this proud tradition, deepening our friendship with the United States while reinforcing Ghana’s global image as a country committed to partnership and mutual progress. Today, however, there is growing concern among Ghanaians both at home and in the diaspora that this long-standing diplomatic goodwill is under threat.
It is in this context that I must express concern over the current trajectory of our foreign policy, particularly under the leadership of the sitting Foreign Affairs Minister, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. While his passion for justice and nationalism are undeniable, his recent public posture and ideological leanings often driven by a rigid socialist worldview risk undermining Ghana’s long-standing tradition of neutrality and measured diplomacy.
His response to U.S. Senator Jim Risch, although rhetorically strong, reflected a confrontational tone that could exacerbate tensions with one of Ghana’s most important partners. Rather than reinforcing Ghana’s sovereign voice through strategic diplomacy, this approach has unfortunately cast Ghana in an adversarial light. It has led to unnecessary polarization at a time when we should be strengthening bridges, not burning them.
Your Excellency, I humbly propose that a course correction is urgently needed. With your deep international respect and influence, your voice matters now more than ever. It is my considered view that a reassessment of the leadership at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is warranted. Ghana needs a Foreign Minister whose diplomatic instincts are anchored in strategic pragmatism and global mindedness that reflects the non-aligned values that have guided our foreign policy for decades.
Replacing Honourable Okudzeto would not be a dismissal of his patriotism, but rather an essential step in reestablishing Ghana’s trusted image on the world stage. In doing so, we can rebuild the kind of balanced, respectful relationship with the United States that has historically served our national interest.
Too many Ghanaians are doing incredible things in the United States founding companies, excelling in academia, leading in medicine and innovation. The remittances, investments, and ideas they send home continue to fuel national development. If our current diplomatic posture leads to sustained tension, the effects could be widespread: reduced scholarships, disrupted business links, stricter immigration scrutiny and loss of collaborative opportunities.
Your Excellency, I respectfully urge you to use your voice, experience and influence as the Head of State and global Statesman to help restore calm and constructive engagement between Ghana and the United States. I believe you are uniquely positioned to guarantee the value of diplomacy, humility and shared vision.
Ghana must continue to stand as a nation that speaks boldly, but also wisely. We must defend our dignity while preserving the relationships that uplift our people. Your voice, now more than ever, can help shape the direction.
Thank you for your lifelong service and may your leadership continue to inspire generations to come.
Yours sincerely,
Victor Hayibor
Ghanaian Farmer
