Samuel Abu Jinapor flanked by his Deputy Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh (R) and 2nd Deputy Whip, Jerry Ahmed Shaib
The Minority in Parliament has cautioned that recent remarks by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the conflict in Gaza could undermine Ghana’s long-standing image as a neutral and respected voice in global diplomacy.
At a press briefing in Accra yesterday, Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, said Ghana’s foreign policy posture has historically been anchored on neutrality, non-alignment, and credibility, principles that must not be compromised by unilateral or imbalanced pronouncements on highly divisive international conflicts.
The Minority’s concern follows public comments by Mr. Ablakwa, who described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “genocide” and disclosed that Ghana had conveyed its position to Israeli authorities while also showing solidarity with the Palestinian people, including through material support.
While acknowledging the need for Ghana to remain active in the international community and to speak against humanitarian violations, Mr. Jinapor stressed the importance of balance in official pronouncements.
“By describing the events in Gaza in absolute terms and aligning the country explicitly with one side in a highly polarized conflict, the government risks compromising the delicate balance that has long safeguarded Ghana’s credibility as an impartial actor on the international stage,” he said.
Citing Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines the principles of Ghana’s foreign relations, the Minority emphasised that successive governments since independence have upheld policies of non-alignment, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
This approach, they argued, has allowed Ghana to maintain credibility with all parties in international disputes and to serve as a trusted advocate for peace, dialogue, and adherence to international law.
“Our tradition has always been to call for peace and protection of civilians, without issuing declarations that may prejudice our ability to play a mediating or bridge-building role,” the caucus noted, warning that the country’s reputation for principled diplomacy could be diminished if this tradition is abandoned.
The Minority further pointed out that Ghana’s strength on the world stage has often come from its ability to stand independent of global power blocs, a reputation that has afforded the nation moral authority and respect in multilateral forums.
They cautioned that any departure from this path could compromise broader national interests and weaken Ghana’s influence in international affairs.
The caucus therefore urged government to exercise restraint and consistency when articulating positions on sensitive conflicts such as the Gaza crisis.
They insisted that Ghana’s statements must reflect the country’s enduring commitment to non-alignment, multilateralism, and balanced diplomacy rather than “hasty or unilateral declarations.”
“As Members of Parliament, we reaffirm our commitment to defending the sovereignty of our nation, upholding the Constitution, and preserving Ghana’s hard-earned reputation as a principled and respected actor on the global stage,” Mr. Jinapor concluded.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House