The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, has called on the government to rely on verified information before taking decisions on matters affecting Ghana’s international relations.
The Damongo MP made the call after Ghana postponed planned bilateral engagements with South Africa amid rising concerns over anti-migrant attacks targeting foreigners in the country.
Mr Jinapor said Ghana’s foreign policy must always protect the nation’s interests and follow the principles outlined in the Constitution.
“A lot has happened within the past 24 hours, in relation to foreign affairs, particularly Ghana’s bilateral relations with South Africa,” he said.
He explained that Ghana’s diplomatic decisions must serve the country’s national interest.
“For me to also be quick in pointing out that all foreign relations, plus one, to Article 73 of our national constitution, must be in accord or must promote Ghana’s national interest,” he stated.
The lawmaker stressed that Ghana’s engagements with other countries should prioritise the safety and welfare of Ghanaians wherever they live.
“All our foreign relations, all our foreign posturing, and the conduct of our foreign policy should be one that promotes the national interest of our country,” he added.
Mr Jinapor said the Minority in Parliament supports the government’s efforts to protect Ghanaian citizens in South Africa.
“All the measures, or whatever measures our government is taking in the past to protect Ghanaians in South Africa are those that we, in the minority, fully support,” he said.
He added that he has consistently backed the Foreign Affairs Ministry and government whenever they take steps to address challenges affecting Ghanaians abroad.
“I’ve never lost the opportunity to make this point that we support the Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President and the Government of Ghana to take up the matters relating to our compatriots in South Africa,” he stated.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister also supported Ghana’s move to involve the African Union and seek stronger action against xenophobic attacks.
“The government’s decision to escalate the matter to the African Union level and to call on the African Union to consider sanctions against South Africa is one that we support,” he said.
Mr Jinapor further endorsed Ghana’s demand for South African authorities to take stronger responsibility in addressing attacks against migrants.
“We are very much in support of all those,” he added.
However, he urged the government to ensure that its diplomatic actions remain credible and rely on accurate facts.
He said Ghana must base its international positions on evidence to protect the country’s reputation and diplomatic interests.
“In the discussion, we need to ensure also that our foreign policy is credible, and that whatever stance we take, whatever measures we take are those that are supported by unimpeachable facts on the ground,” he stated.
