The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns about Ghana’s official position on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, cautioning that recent government pronouncements could undermine the country’s long-standing reputation for neutrality in foreign affairs.
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, September 24, the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, criticized recent comments made by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The Minister had described Israel’s actions in Gaza as “genocide” and declared Ghana’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, pledging humanitarian support.
While acknowledging the importance of upholding international law and supporting humanitarian efforts, Jinapor stressed that Ghana must remain balanced and consistent in its foreign policy approach, particularly in sensitive and polarised global conflicts.
“By describing the events in Gaza in absolute terms and aligning the country explicitly with one side, the government risks compromising the delicate balance that has long safeguarded Ghana’s credibility,” he cautioned.
Citing Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution, Jinapor reminded the government that Ghana’s foreign policy is guided by the principles of national interest, respect for international law, and the promotion of cooperation principles that require impartiality in divisive international matters.
He noted that Ghana has historically embraced a posture of non-alignment, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, enabling the country to act as a trusted and impartial voice in global affairs. “Successive governments have interpreted these principles by maintaining independence and impartiality in international conflicts,” he added.
The Minority warned that any departure from this tradition could erode Ghana’s moral authority on the global stage and weaken its broader diplomatic interests. They urged government officials to exercise caution and consistency in their foreign policy declarations, focusing instead on promoting peace, protecting civilians, and upholding international law without creating perceptions of bias.
