Samuel Jinapor Demands Government Transparency on Foreign Policy

Damongo Member of Parliament, Samuel A. Jinapor, has accused the government of lacking transparency and consistency in its foreign policy decisions.

The former Lands Minister insists Parliament must be fully informed and consulted on critical diplomatic matters, stressing the Executive’s constitutional duty to keep the House abreast of developments, particularly those with sensitivities.

Mr. Jinapor made these remarks on the floor of Parliament following a briefing by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He argued that the Executive’s power must operate within the parliamentary framework when dealing with foreign policy.

“Government in the exercise of executive power must be within the framework of Parliament, particularly when the government acts in relation to foreign policy,” Mr. Jinapor stated.

He lamented that it often takes the intervention of the Minority Leader to compel the Foreign Affairs Minister to update Parliament on crucial decisions. “It should not take the intervention of the Minority Leader for the Minister to brief this House on such fundamental and important decisions of the government when they relate to foreign policy,” he emphasized.

The Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee also criticised the Ministry’s engagement with Parliament, particularly the Select Committee. “Mr Speaker, as Ranking Member for Foreign Affairs, I must put on record, and Hansard must capture, that the Minister for Foreign Affairs can do better in terms of parliamentary engagement,” he said.

Mr. Jinapor reiterated Parliament’s role as a key stakeholder in Ghana’s foreign relations, asserting that it must be included in all diplomatic and security engagements. He believes effective foreign policy requires credibility, accountability, and respect for democratic processes.

He expressed concern over the recent deployment of Ghanaian troops to Benin and Jamaica without prior parliamentary briefing. “The Minister says His Excellency President Mahama conducted a ceremony this morning at the seat of the Presidency and saw Ghanaian troops off. The first body within the state of Ghana that should be briefed is the Parliament of Ghana, the representatives of the people,” he stressed. Such actions, he argued, undermine parliamentary oversight, especially concerning regional security and military deployments.

Mr. Jinapor further accused the government of applying double standards in its dealings with neighbouring countries, highlighting perceived contradictions in its approach towards Burkina Faso and Benin.

“If a coup is bad in Benin, it must be bad in Burkina Faso, it must be bad in Niger,” he cautioned, warning that inconsistent foreign policy stances could damage Ghana’s international standing.

These comments add to ongoing demands for stronger parliamentary oversight and clearer principles guiding Ghana’s foreign policy and security involvement in the region.

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