The decision by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to announce the temporary closure of Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C., via Facebook has drawn sharp criticism from media and governance experts.
Larry Dogbey, Managing Editor of The Herald newspaper, voiced his concerns on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on May 27, 2025, describing the use of social media for such a significant government action as “damning” and inappropriate.
Dogbey argued that a matter involving allegations of fraud, abuse of office, and the closure of a key diplomatic mission required formal communication through official government channels rather than a social media post.
“High-profile decisions of national and international importance demand an official press release or statement, endorsed by the Ministry and properly communicated to the public and stakeholders,” he said. “Posting on Facebook opens the door to misinterpretations and undermines government credibility.”
Minister Ablakwa’s announcement on May 26 followed a special audit revealing financial misconduct at the embassy, prompting the closure as part of a broader restructuring effort within Ghana’s foreign service.
While Dogbey acknowledged the necessity of the closure, he emphasized that the government must maintain transparency and leadership by adopting proper communication protocols in sensitive matters.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about the role of social media in official government communications and the need for clear guidelines to preserve public trust and institutional integrity.
