Senator Jim Risch Accuses Ghana of Prioritizing China Over U.S. Debts; Ablakwa Responds with Sharp Rebuke on Sovereignty & Slavery Reparations

A diplomatic row is simmering on social media between Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and United States Senator Jim Risch over comments related to Ghana’s financial obligations to U.S. companies and taxpayers.

In a blunt post on X (formerly Twitter), Senator Risch criticized Ghana for what he described as misplaced financial priorities.

“Instead of a trip to D.C., Ghana’s Foreign Minister should focus on honouring his government’s commitments to repay U.S. companies and the American taxpayers,” Risch wrote. “We can not keep subsidizing Ghana while it continues paying far larger debts to China.”

■ Ablakwa Fires Back

Foreign Minister Ablakwa responded swiftly and unapologetically, calling Risch’s comments “extremely offensive” and asserting Ghana’s sovereignty in matters of economic and foreign policy.

“This is very rich coming from someone who refuses to engage in same advocacy for the payment of reparations by the U.S. for its despicable and condemnable role in slavery,” Ablakwa posted.

He reminded the U.S. Senator that Ghana, under the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah, is not a nation that will be dictated to.

“You will not be allowed to dictate to a sovereign country on how we conduct our foreign policy,” Ablakwa declared. “If you need to be reminded — this is Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana — the first African nation to defeat colonialism and imperialism.”

■ “Measly Debts” vs. Reparations

Ablakwa also addressed the debt concerns raised by Senator Risch, pointing out that the new Mahama administration inherited the debts and is committed to repaying them based on Ghana’s own economic roadmap.

“Let me be clear, those measly debts compared to what you owe us in reparations would be paid when we deem appropriate,” he said. “Unlike you, we take responsibility and honour our national obligations.”

■ Geopolitical Undercurrents

The online spat comes at a time when U.S.-Africa relations are under increasing scrutiny, especially as African nations deepen engagements with alternative global powers like China. Senator Risch’s comments reflect growing frustrations in Washington over what it perceives as imbalanced loyalty and lack of transparency in aid and investment partnerships.

However, Ablakwa’s strong rebuttal underscores a new assertiveness among African leaders seeking to push back against perceived Western condescension while also reigniting long-standing calls for reparative justice and historical accountability.

■ Diplomatic Fallout?

While the exchange may remain in the digital sphere for now, analysts warn that such public confrontations between high-ranking officials could strain diplomatic engagements behind closed doors. It remains to be seen whether either side will walk back their comments or double down in the coming days.