The Minority Caucus in Parliament has expressed its full support for the government’s decision to pursue tougher diplomatic action against South Africa over the treatment of Ghanaians, including its call on the African Union (AU) to consider sanctions.
Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, said Ghana’s response must be guided by the country’s national interest and the need to protect its citizens living abroad.
National interest must come first
Speaking on Tuesday, July 7, the Damongo MP said Ghana’s foreign policy should always serve the interests of the country.
“A lot has happened within the past 24 hours, in relation to foreign affairs, particularly Ghana’s bilateral relations with South Africa, and for me to also be quick in pointing out that all foreign relations… must be in accord or must promote Ghana’s national interest.”
He stressed that every diplomatic engagement and foreign policy decision should prioritise Ghana’s welfare.
“So all our foreign relations, all our foreign posturing, and the conduct of our foreign policy should be one that promotes the national interest of our country.”
Minority backs government’s response
Jinapor said the Minority supports every legitimate measure the government has taken to protect Ghanaians in South Africa.
“So all the measures, or whatever measures our government is taking… to protect Ghanaians in South Africa are those that we, in the Minority, fully support.”
He added that he has consistently supported the government’s efforts whenever the safety of Ghanaians abroad has been threatened.
“I’ve never seized the opportunity; I’ve never lost the opportunity to make this point that we support the Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the President and the Government of Ghana to take up the matters relating to our compatriots in South Africa, particularly as it relates to the protection of Ghanaian citizens anywhere in the world, in South Africa in particular.”
Support for AU sanctions call
The Ranking Member also endorsed the government’s decision to escalate the matter to the African Union and seek stronger continental action.
“The government’s decision to escalate the matter to the African Union level and to call on the African Union to consider sanctions against South Africa is one that we support.”
He said Ghana was justified in demanding greater accountability from the South African government over recurring xenophobic attacks.
“Including the government’s call on the government of South Africa to be up and doing, if you want, in dealing with the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, in terms of governmental oversight and… taking responsibility. We are very much in support of all those.”
Call for credible foreign policy
While backing the government’s position, Jinapor urged authorities to ensure Ghana’s foreign policy remains credible and is based on verified facts.
“But the second point… is also that in the discussion we need to ensure also that our foreign policy is credible, and that whatever stance we take, whatever measures we take are those that are supported by unimpeachable facts on the ground.”
His comments come as diplomatic tensions continue over the treatment of Ghanaians in South Africa, with growing calls for stronger regional action to address xenophobic attacks and protect foreign nationals.
