Damongo MP and Ranking Member of Parliament for the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has defended his decision to raise allegations of the sale of Ghanaian diplomatic passports on the floor.
He insisted that accountability must not be sacrificed in the name of parliamentary authority.
Mr Jinapor said allegations that Ghanaian diplomatic passports are being sold for amounts ranging from US$10,000 to US$50,000 are too serious to be ignored, given their potential implications for the country’s international reputation and the credibility of its institutions.
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In a statement following Tuesday’s parliamentary sitting, the former Lands and Natural Resources Minister said he had called for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to appear before Parliament and account for the allegations.
His intervention, however, was challenged by the Majority Leader, James Agalga, leading to a disagreement on the floor of the House.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, subsequently directed Mr Jinapor to withdraw his statement.
The development triggered a walkout by Minority MPs, who reportedly expressed solidarity with the Damongo MP after the Speaker directed that he be escorted out of the Chamber.
Mr Jinapor, in his reaction, maintained that his responsibility as Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee requires him to bring matters of significant national concern before Parliament, regardless of the political consequences.
“As Ranking Member, I consider it my solemn duty to bring such consequential matters before Parliament, without fear or favour. I owe this duty to Ghana, my constituents and the New Patriotic Party,” he stated.
Although he expressed respect for the Speaker and his office, Mr Jinapor argued that such respect should not prevent him from demanding answers on issues affecting the country’s national interest.
“I have enormous respect for the Office of the Speaker and for Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin personally. That respect, however, does not diminish my constitutional and parliamentary responsibility to raise matters of grave national concern and demand accountability,” he said.
The Damongo MP stressed that respect for parliamentary authority should coexist with the responsibility of elected representatives to scrutinise government actions and demand explanations.
“Respect for parliamentary authority and the pursuit of accountability are not mutually exclusive,” he declared.
Mr Jinapor described himself as a disciplined and patriotic legislator who remains committed to holding the government accountable, particularly on matters relating to Ghana’s foreign affairs.
Mr Jinapor insisted that accountability remains non-negotiable, signalling his determination to continue scrutinising government conduct in Parliament.