‘Take responsibility’ – Minority caucus supports tough action against South Africa

The Minority in Parliament has declared its support for the government's decision to adopt a firmer diplomatic approach towards South Africa over the reported xenophobic attacks against Ghanaians, including calls for the African Union (AU) to consider sanctions if the violence persists.

Ranking Member of Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, said Ghana's response must be guided by the protection of its citizens and the country's national interest, stressing that safeguarding Ghanaians abroad should remain a top foreign policy priority.

 Mr. Jinapor said recent developments in Ghana-South Africa relations require a united national response that places the welfare of Ghanaian citizens above political differences.

According to Mr. Jinapor, every aspect of Ghana's foreign policy should be designed to advance the country's national interest while protecting the rights and safety of Ghanaians wherever they may be.

He argued that diplomatic engagements and international relations should always reflect Ghana's commitment to defending its citizens and promoting the country's strategic interests.

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 be quick in pointing out that all foreign relations must promote Ghana's national interest."

He added:

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."

Mr. Jinapor said the Minority Caucus fully supports every lawful and appropriate measure being taken by the government to ensure the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa.

He noted that protecting Ghanaian citizens abroad should transcend partisan politics and remain a shared national responsibility.

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."

The Damongo legislator stated that he has consistently backed the efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government whenever issues affecting Ghanaians overseas arise.

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 matters relating to our compatriots in South Africa."

The Ranking Member also endorsed the government's decision to elevate the issue to the African Union, saying regional institutions have an important role to play in addressing xenophobia and ensuring member states uphold their obligations to protect foreign nationals.

He expressed support for Ghana's call on the AU to consider appropriate measures, including possible sanctions, if the situation warrants such 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."

Mr. Jinapor further backed the government's call for South African authorities to intensify efforts to prevent attacks on Ghanaians and other foreign nationals.

According to him, governments have a responsibility to guarantee the safety and security of everyone living within their borders, regardless of nationality.

While supporting the government's position, Mr. Jinapor urged policymakers to ensure that Ghana's diplomatic actions remain credible and are based on verified facts.

He cautioned against making foreign policy decisions based on speculation or unverified claims, emphasizing that Ghana's international reputation depends on responsible diplomacy.

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."

He said a fact-driven approach would strengthen Ghana's position internationally while ensuring that any diplomatic measures taken receive broad support from both domestic and international stakeholders.

Mr. Jinapor's comments come amid growing diplomatic tensions between Ghana and South Africa following reports of xenophobic attacks targeting Ghanaians and other African migrants.

The developments have sparked renewed calls for stronger regional action to combat xenophobia and improve the protection of foreign nationals across the continent.

As discussions continue, Ghana's government has maintained that the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad remain paramount, while Parliament's bipartisan support signals a united national front in responding to the unfolding situation.