Following the death of Ghanaian businessman Bashiru Isak in Cape Town, the Minority in Parliament has called on Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, to address the House and give an update on Ghana’s diplomatic relations with South Africa.
In light of growing worries about attacks on foreigners, the caucus feels that Parliament should be informed about the government’s response to the occurrence and the steps being taken to protect Ghanaians residing in South Africa.
Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, made the request on the floor of Parliament, stating that lawmakers needed an official account of the incident’s developments and its consequences for ties between the two nations.
According to him, lawmakers require an official update on developments surrounding the incident and its implications for diplomatic relations between Ghana and South Africa.
“The young Ghanaian who was shot and killed in South Africa was brought to Ghana. This House has requested that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be programmed before this House to brief the House on issues relating to the diplomatic relationship between Ghana and South Africa,” he said.
He added that much of the information currently circulating has come from social media and urged the Majority Leader to schedule the Minister’s appearance before Parliament.
“We have been hearing a lot of the issues on social media, and I believe and wish that the Majority Leader programmes him to appear to brief us about the relationship with South Africa,” he added.
Responding to the request, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the decision on whether the Foreign Affairs Minister should brief Parliament would depend on the nature and sensitivity of the matter.
“Whether or not the minister comes to brief the House about bilateral relations depends on the minister’s assessment of the sensitivity of the issues and whether or not it should be discussed,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
The Minority maintains that a parliamentary briefing would help provide clarity on the government’s diplomatic efforts and reassure Ghanaians about measures being taken to protect citizens living abroad.