The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has criticised the recent conduct of Ghana’s foreign policy communication, calling for a shift from public announcements to a more discreet and consultative approach.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel A. Jinapor, urged the Minister for Foreign Affairs to uphold diplomatic standards rooted in engagement, tact, and professionalism, rather than resorting to populist strategies on social media.
The Caucus expressed strong reservations about the Minister’s recent decision to shut down Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., reportedly in response to alleged fraudulent activity involving a staff member. Jinapor said the announcement came as a surprise to members of the Committee, who were not briefed beforehand on such a critical matter.
“We were utterly shocked and surprised to learn of the decision through public announcements, rather than through prior engagement with the Foreign Affairs Committee,” he said. “Such a significant action should have been preceded by a briefing to the committee and addressed through tactful diplomatic channels.”
He emphasised that while the Caucus supports accountability and the application of the law, they believe that the handling of sensitive foreign affairs must be guided by the principles of diplomacy. According to him, the abrupt public disclosure of the embassy closure could undermine morale within the foreign service and damage Ghana’s international reputation.
The Minority also pointed to a pattern of limited consultation on recent developments within the Ministry, including the rollout of chip-embedded passports and shifting timelines for passport processing at missions abroad. These issues, they argued, have contributed to public confusion and raised questions about policy coherence.
Jinapor acknowledged that President John Mahama’s administration is still in its early stages and suggested that the Foreign Minister may be transitioning from the political posture of opposition into the demands of statesmanship.
“International relations require tact, quiet negotiation, and consistency,” he stated. “Diplomacy is not an arena for political point-scoring or hasty announcements. It is a space for calm, careful manoeuvring that protects the nation’s long-term interests.”
He revealed that even members of the Majority and the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee were unaware of some key decisions taken by the Ministry, a situation he described as worrying and indicative of the need for improved transparency.
The Minority Caucus concluded by calling on the Minister to strengthen his engagement with Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, respect institutional processes, and lead Ghana’s diplomacy with the restraint and maturity it demands.
“We believe that with greater engagement, more diplomacy, and less populism, Ghana’s image will be preserved and enhanced,” Jinapor said.
