The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Samuel A. Jinapor, has expressed concern over the recent direction of Ghana’s foreign policy communication, urging the Minister for Foreign Affairs to adopt a more measured, consultative, and diplomatic approach in the execution of his duties.
Addressing the media, Mr. Jinapor highlighted what he described as a deeply consequential decision taken by the Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in the closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C..
The decision was announced following allegations of fraudulent activity involving one individual at the mission.
The caucus noted that while accountability is necessary, the manner in which this issue was handled raises important questions about process and diplomacy.
“We were utterly shocked and surprised to learn of the decision through public announcements, rather than through prior engagement with the Foreign Affairs Committee.
“Such a significant action should have been preceded by a briefing to the committee and addressed through tactful diplomatic channels,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
The caucus emphasized that similar incidents in the past, involving misconduct at foreign missions, have been managed discreetly and professionally, without compromising Ghana’s image or the integrity of the foreign service.
Mr. Jinapor noted that resorting to public declarations, especially on social media, risks damaging the country’s standing in the international community.
“This approach has far-reaching repercussions on the morale of our foreign service officers, on the reputation of our country, and on the welfare of Ghanaian citizens abroad,” he said.
The Minority Caucus stressed that their position is not against holding individuals accountable. They fully support the application of the law and appropriate sanctions where wrongdoing is established.
However, they believe such matters should be handled with the highest standards of diplomatic practice, not through grandstanding or media-driven actions.
They also raised broader concerns regarding recent developments within the ministry, including the rollout of chip-embedded passports and changing timelines for passport processing at missions.
According to them, these issues have sparked public confusion and controversy, in part due to limited consultation and insufficient internal engagement.
He acknowledged that President Mahama’s administration is still in its early months, and that the Minister may be adjusting from the political style of opposition to the more demanding environment of high-level diplomacy.
“International relations require tact, quiet negotiation, and consistency,” he said.
“Diplomacy is not an arena for political point-scoring or hasty announcements. It is a space for calm, careful maneuvering that protects the nation’s long-term interests.”
Mr. Jinapor added that the Minority has engaged with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as members from the majority side, and found that they too were not fully aware of certain decisions being taken.
This, he said, highlights the need for greater transparency and deeper collaboration between the ministry and the parliamentary oversight body.
The caucus concluded by calling on the Okudzeto Ablakwa to strengthen his working relationship with the committee, prioritize institutional processes, and commit to a foreign policy agenda that reflects tactful, responsible leadership.
“We believe that with greater engagement, more diplomacy, and less populism, Ghana’s image will be preserved and enhanced. We trust the Minister will take these concerns into account moving forward.”
