Ablakwa Bids Farewell to US Chargé d’Affaires Rolf Olson, Highlights Key Diplomatic Achievements
Story by: Regina Bless
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hosted the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Rolf Olson, for a farewell meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the completion of his diplomatic assignment in Ghana.
In a statement following the meeting, Mr. Ablakwa described Mr. Olson as a great friend of Ghana, highlighting several achievements recorded through bilateral cooperation during his tenure.
Among the key accomplishments, the Minister cited successful negotiations with US authorities in Washington, which he said resulted in Ghana being removed from President Donald Trump’s visa restrictions. He also highlighted the restoration of five-year multiple-entry visas for Ghanaian travellers.
Mr. Ablakwa further noted that Ghana secured a special dispensation under the US administration’s new tariff regime, while the country’s textile industry benefited from the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
He also recalled the cooperation between the two countries following Hurricane Melissa, which facilitated the airlift of Ghanaian troops to Jamaica to support rescue and reconstruction efforts.
During the farewell engagement, Mr. Olson briefed the Foreign Affairs Minister on progress made in the investigations into the death of Javits Frimpong.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, both Ghana and the United States share a commitment to ensuring that justice is secured for Javits. He also commended the US Embassy in Accra, President Donald Trump and New York Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani for their swift assistance in facilitating visas for Javits’ mother and cousin.
The Minister acknowledged that Ghana and the United States have differences on certain policy issues, including Ghana’s recent position on the US health pact and its stance on reparatory justice. However, he stressed that both countries continue to value their longstanding friendship and historical ties.
He reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment, together with Ghana’s diplomatic missions worldwide, to protecting the welfare, rights and dignity of Ghanaians living abroad.
The farewell meeting highlighted the continued importance of Ghana-US diplomatic relations and cooperation on issues of mutual interest.