The Minority Caucus has launched a scathing attack on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, condemning what they described as a ‘populist’ and ‘damaging’ decision to temporarily close Ghana’s Embassy in Washington D.C.
They warn the move ‘undermines trust’ in Ghana’s foreign missions and tarnishes the nation’s international image.
Addressing a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, May 27, Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed shock at the closure of such a vital mission. He announced the Minority would file an urgent question to demand full disclosure from the Foreign Minister regarding the decision.
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“This has far-reaching implications on the staff of the mission, the Foreign Service, and on the standing of our country in the eyes of the international community,” Hon. Jinapor stated.
The Damongo MP, and former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, while affirming support for firm action against misconduct, criticized the Ministry’s approach as lacking ‘discretion and diplomacy.’
He argued that targeting an entire mission for the alleged fraudulent activity of one individual was “grandstanding” and painted “all officials with the same brush.”
Hon. Jinapor also lamented a breakdown in communication between the Ministry and the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, noting that even the Committee Chairman and Majority members appeared to have been left in the dark.
“We are calling on the Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage more thoroughly with the Committee. There must be more diplomacy and less populist actions. The rush to social media, the press, and hasty announcements does not augur well for the reputation of our country,” he urged.
Despite their concerns, the Minority stressed their support for lawful disciplinary measures against guilty individuals but cautioned against blanket actions that tarnish the image of the entire mission and by extension, the nation.
Hon. Jinapor charged the Foreign Ministry to exercise restraint and embrace a more measured, consultative approach in handling international diplomacy. “It’s time to return to mature diplomacy and high-level engagement. Ghana’s reputation is too important to be sacrificed on the altar of political populism,” he emphasized
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com