The Minority in Parliament has called upon the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to appear before the House to provide an update regarding Ghana’s diplomatic interactions with South Africa in light of the murder of Ghanaian businessman Bashiru Isak in Cape Town.
The caucus asserts that Parliament should be informed about the government’s reaction to the incident, as well as the measures being implemented to protect Ghanaians residing in South Africa amidst growing concerns over assaults on foreign nationals.
During the request made on the floor of Parliament, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, stated that parliamentarians needed an official account of the developments surrounding the incident and its ramifications for the relations between the two nations.
“The young Ghanaian who was shot and killed in South Africa was brought to Ghana. This House has requested that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be programmed before this House to brief the House on issues relating to the diplomatic relationship between Ghana and South Africa,” he said.
Mr Asafo-Adjei Ayeh emphasised that the extensive public discourse on the issue, especially on social media, has increased the necessity for a formal government briefing.
“We have been hearing a lot of the issues on social media, and I believe and wish that the Majority Leader programmes him to appear to brief us about the relationship with South Africa,” he added.
In response to the request, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga indicated that the government would consult with the Foreign Affairs Minister before determining whether a parliamentary briefing would be suitable.
“Whether or not the minister comes to brief the House about bilateral relations depends on the minister’s assessment of the sensitivity of the issues and whether or not it should be discussed,” Mr Ayariga added.
