The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about Ghana’s official position on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, warning that recent government pronouncements could undermine the country’s long-standing neutral foreign policy.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, September 24, Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, pointed to comments made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who recently described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and declared Ghana’s solidarity with the Palestinian people.
According to Mr. Jinapor, such statements risk pushing Ghana away from its traditional diplomatic posture. “Recent public pronouncements made by the Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip… characterised the development in Gaza as, and I quote, ‘genocide,’ end quote, and further indicated that Ghana has made clear its position in engagements with Israeli authorities, while also expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said.
The Minority acknowledged Ghana’s moral responsibility to speak on matters of humanitarian concern but emphasised the need for balance and consistency. “While we recognise the need for Ghana to remain an active voice in the international community and to speak on matters implicating humanitarian concerns and respect for international law, we must emphasise the importance of consistency and balance in such pronouncements,” Mr. Jinapor added.
Citing Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution, which outlines principles to guide Ghana’s foreign relations, including the protection of national interests, adherence to international law, and respect for international cooperation, the Minority stressed that Ghana has, since independence, pursued a foreign policy anchored in non-alignment, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
“This enduring posture has enabled successive governments to engage credibly with all sides in situations of conflict while preserving Ghana’s role as a respected and impartial voice of peace, dialogue, and rule of law,” Mr. Jinapor stated.
He further warned that the government’s current approach could compromise Ghana’s credibility as a neutral actor. “By describing the events in Gaza in absolute terms and aligning the country explicitly with one side in a highly polarised conflict, the government risks compromising the delicate balance that has long safeguarded Ghana’s credibility,” he cautioned.
The Minority urged government officials to remain faithful to Ghana’s diplomatic tradition by calling for peace, the protection of civilians, and adherence to international law, without adopting a position that may be perceived as taking sides.
