By Issah Olegor
A top-ranking U.S. senator has criticized Ghana for prioritizing its debt repayments to China over financial obligations to American companies and taxpayers.
Senator James E. Risch, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations issued the stern rebuke shortly after the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, concluded a diplomatic visit to Washington, D.C.
In a post shared via his official platform, Senator Risch stated, “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. We can not keep subsidizing Ghana while it continues paying far larger debts to China.”
His comments underscore growing frustration among some U.S. policymakers regarding the perceived imbalance in Ghana’s international debt servicing—especially at a time when the country is negotiating debt relief and support from international partners amid a broader economic recovery effort.
Ablakwa, who also serves as Member of Parliament for North Tongu, was in Washington earlier last week for high-level bilateral talks aimed at strengthening Ghana-U.S. relations.
He was received at the U.S. State Department by Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Allison M. Hooker and Ambassador Troy Damian Fitrell of the Bureau of African Affairs.
Describing the meeting as productive, Ablakwa wrote, “We had great discussions on a wide range of Ghana-U.S. bilateral cooperation.” The visit, according to Ghanaian officials, was part of efforts by the Mahama-led administration to reset diplomatic relations and navigate ongoing tensions over the U.S.’s newly announced travel restrictions, which reportedly include Ghana.
In a media briefing following his trip, Ablakwa confirmed that overstaying visas and immigration infractions were among the primary reasons cited by the U.S. for the potential visa restrictions.
He assured that Ghana is taking proactive steps to address the concerns raised.
“President Mahama’s government is determined to take all necessary and strategic steps consistent with our national interest to ensure that Ghana is not affected by the much-talked-about impending U.S. visa ban,” he said.
“We expect a positive outcome for Ghana and a strengthening of Ghana–USA relations.”
However, Senator Risch’s comments have added a geopolitical twist to what appeared to be a routine diplomatic engagement.
His remarks suggest that Washington is paying closer attention not only to immigration and diplomacy but also to the fiscal conduct of its African partners—particularly when Chinese influence is involved.
Ghana, like many African countries, has turned to China for large-scale infrastructure financing over the past decade. Beijing’s financial footprint spans energy, roads, and telecommunications, often with favourable but opaque loan terms.
Critics in the West, however, have long argued that such debt dependencies may undermine transparency, local accountability, and multilateral cooperation.
Senator Risch’s blunt criticism is likely to prompt fresh debate within Ghana’s political circles, as the country navigates a challenging economic environment, marked by debt restructuring negotiations, high inflation, and currency instability.
