The Minority in Parliament has expressed support for the government’s decision to pursue stronger diplomatic action against South Africa over the treatment of Ghanaians, including its call on the African Union (AU) to consider sanctions.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 7, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, said Ghana’s foreign policy should always be guided by the country’s national interest and the protection of its citizens abroad.
“A lot has happened within the past 24 hours in relation to foreign affairs, particularly Ghana’s bilateral relations with South Africa, and for me to be quick in pointing out that all foreign relations must be in accord with, or must promote, Ghana’s national interest,” he said.
The Damongo MP stressed that Ghana’s diplomatic engagements and foreign policy decisions must consistently prioritise the country’s interests.
“So 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 stated.
Mr Jinapor said the Minority fully supports every legitimate measure being taken by the government to safeguard Ghanaians living in South Africa.
“So all the measures, or whatever measures our government is taking to protect Ghanaians in South Africa are those that we, in the Minority, fully support,” he said.
He added that he has consistently supported the government’s efforts whenever the welfare of Ghanaians abroad has been at stake.
“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 matters relating to our compatriots in South Africa, particularly as it relates to the protection of Ghanaian citizens anywhere in the world, in South Africa in particular,” he said.
Mr Jinapor also endorsed the government’s decision to escalate the matter to the African Union and seek stronger continental action.
“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.
He further backed the government’s call for South African authorities to take stronger action to address xenophobic attacks and ensure the safety of foreign nationals.
“Including the government’s call on the government of South Africa to be up and doing in dealing with the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, in terms of governmental oversight and taking responsibility. We are very much in support of all those,” he stated.
However, Mr Jinapor cautioned that while Ghana must respond firmly, its foreign policy should remain credible and be based on verified facts.
“But the second point is that 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 said.
His remarks come amid heightened diplomatic tensions over the treatment of Ghanaians in South Africa, as calls grow for stronger regional action to address recurring xenophobic attacks.
