The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s International Affairs Committee, led by Samuel A. Jinapor, Rating Member of the Committee, has expressed concern over the latest route of Ghana’s overseas coverage communication.
The caucus is urging the Minister for International Affairs to undertake a extra measured, consultative, and diplomatic method within the execution of his duties.
Addressing the media, Hon. Jinapor highlighted what he described as a deeply consequential resolution—the closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.—which was introduced following allegations of fraudulent exercise involving one particular person on the mission.
Whereas the caucus acknowledged the significance of accountability, they raised issues concerning the course of and communication surrounding the difficulty.
“We had been totally shocked and shocked to study of the choice by means of public bulletins, relatively than by means of prior engagement with the International Affairs Committee,” Hon. Jinapor said. “Such a big motion ought to have been preceded by a briefing to the committee and addressed by means of tactful diplomatic channels.”
The caucus emphasised that comparable incidents prior to now, involving misconduct at overseas missions, have been managed discreetly and professionally, with out compromising Ghana’s picture or the integrity of the overseas service. Hon. Jinapor famous that resorting to public declarations—particularly on social media—dangers damaging the nation’s standing within the worldwide neighborhood.
“This method has far-reaching repercussions on the morale of our overseas service officers, the status of our nation, and the welfare of Ghanaian residents overseas,” he added.
The Minority Caucus clarified that their place is just not against accountability. They totally help the appliance of the legislation and applicable sanctions the place wrongdoing is established. Nevertheless, they consider such issues must be dealt with with the best requirements of diplomatic follow—not by means of grandstanding or media-driven actions.
Additionally they raised broader issues relating to latest developments inside the International Ministry, together with the rollout of chip-embedded passports and the shifting timelines for passport processing at missions overseas. In keeping with Hon. Jinapor, these points have sparked public confusion, largely as a result of restricted session and inadequate inner engagement.
He acknowledged that President Mahama’s administration continues to be in its early months, and that the Minister should still be adjusting from the political fashion of opposition to the extra demanding atmosphere of high-level diplomacy.
“Worldwide relations require tact, quiet negotiation, and consistency,” he mentioned. “Diplomacy is just not an enviornment for political point-scoring or hasty bulletins. It’s a house for calm, cautious maneuvering that protects the nation’s long-term pursuits.”
Hon. Jinapor additional disclosed that the Minority has engaged with the Chairman of the International Affairs Committee and members from the Majority facet, and located that they too weren’t totally conscious of sure choices being made. This, he mentioned, highlights the necessity for better transparency and deeper collaboration between the Ministry and the parliamentary oversight physique.
The caucus concluded by calling on the International Minister to strengthen his working relationship with the committee, prioritize institutional processes, and decide to a overseas coverage agenda rooted in accountable and tactful management.
“We consider that with better engagement, extra diplomacy, and fewer populism, Ghana’s picture will likely be preserved and enhanced,” Hon. Jinapor said. “We belief the Minister will take these issues into consideration shifting ahead.”
As Ghana navigates an more and more complicated world panorama, the message from the Minority is evident: efficient diplomacy should be grounded in session, professionalism, and the quiet power that has lengthy outlined the nation’s worldwide posture.
Supply: Adomonline
