The Deputy Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Committee of Parliament, Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has rebutted assertions that the Minority’s criticism of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the latter’s recent comments on Ghana’s support for the United States of America in addressing a security situation in Nigeria stemmed from animosity.
The Bosome Freho Member of Parliament stated that the minister has demonstrated beyond imagination that he was not only incompetent but also a political propagandist undermining Ghana’s security.
The minority caucus has raised serious concerns regarding the legal framework of an alleged collaboration between the government of Ghana and the United States to conduct airstrikes against terrorists in Nigeria.
This issue stems from a disclosure made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during a public engagement in London.
Following the disclosure, lawmakers emphasised that any such agreement between Ghana and the U.S. must be submitted to Parliament for scrutiny to determine the specific benefits and risks to the nation.
The caucus argued that the minister’s commentary constituted a breach of confidentiality and a significant compromise of national security.
In an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the minority criticised Mr Ablakwa for a perceived lack of tact and diplomacy.
They further characterised the situation as a recurring pattern that places Ghana in precarious positions, expressing disappointment that President John Dramani Mahama has not yet reprimanded him.
”We are questioning the high level of indiscretion of the minister. He took an oath of secrecy as minister, yet he engaged in such loose talk regarding a high level of security. This is a terrible incident; this is a high-security matter that he breached. It defies his oath of office, his credibility, and his credentials as the number one diplomat of Ghana.
It also undermines our security and exposes us to danger. It has become public knowledge that Ghana gave its space or platform to the US to launch an attack in Nigeria, killing ISIS members. He has exposed all of us to security risks.
Consistently, we have been talking about the immaturity of the minister, and the president seems not to listen. We, as the minority, therefore demand that the minister appear before Parliament and answer questions. This is a high-level national security matter that should have been kept as such.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
