Legal practitioner and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has issued a sharp rebuke following reports that a Ghanaian Member of Parliament was arrested at the behest of the United States government.
The outspoken lawyer characterized the incident as a breach of diplomatic etiquette and a direct affront to Ghana’s national sovereignty.
In a statement shared on X, Barker-Vormawor questioned the nature of the intelligence partnership between the two nations, suggesting that the United States may have bypassed local authorities to execute the apprehension.
He voiced concerns that foreign powers are increasingly treating Ghanaian public officials as targets for international entrapment rather than as representatives of a partner state.
The lawyer’s commentary highlights a growing friction regarding the perceived imbalance in bilateral relations.
By citing previous incidents involving high-ranking officials like former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Barker-Vormawor argues that a pattern of disrespect is emerging.
He challenged the Ghanaian government to demand an explanation from the US envoy, noting that such actions would be unthinkable if the roles were reversed and a US Congressman were the target.
While the specific details of the lawmaker’s arrest remain the subject of intense public debate, the legal practitioner warned that continued unilateral actions by Western allies could damage long-standing diplomatic ties.
He concluded by suggesting that the United States risks losing more than it gains if it continues to bypass the sovereign protocols of its African partners.
“If the news that the MP was arrested at the request of the US Government is true, I think we need to summon the US envoy immediately. If they withheld critical information from our intelligence services; and laid traps outside for our officials, then I think it is unacceptable. We are a sovereign nation that must be treated with respect. Our Public officials cannot be plucked away in traps set abroad. Without so much as the courtesy of prior communication. Are we sure we could arrange the arrest of a US Congressman under such circumstances? What kind of partnership informs our being treated with so much disrespect! First Ofori-Atta, now this? They have more to lose, if they continue like this. Shalom”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana