The Minority in Parliament has called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to appear before the House to brief lawmakers on Ghana’s diplomatic engagement with South Africa following the killing of Ghanaian businessman Bashiru Isak in Cape Town.
The caucus said Parliament should be updated on the government’s response to the incident and measures being taken to protect Ghanaians living in South Africa amid renewed concerns over attacks on foreign nationals.
Minority Seeks Official Update
Making the request 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, said lawmakers needed an official account of developments surrounding the incident and its implications for relations between Ghana and South Africa.
“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 noted that widespread public discussion of the matter, particularly on social media, had heightened the need 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.
Majority Leader Responds
Responding to the request, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the government would first engage the Foreign Affairs Minister before determining whether a parliamentary briefing was necessary.
“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 said.
Renewed Safety Concerns
The killing of Bashiru Isak has reignited concerns over the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa and prompted renewed calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
The incident has also intensified demands for enhanced measures to protect Ghanaian nationals abroad and ensure justice for victims of attacks on foreign nationals.
