Foreign Minister should pursue quiet diplomacy, not opulism - Minority Caucus urges tact and engagement

The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee is concerned about Ghana’s foreign policy communication.

Led by Ranking Member Samuel A. Jinapor, they urge the Foreign Minister to be more consultative and professional. They prefer diplomacy over public announcements and social media.

Jinapor highlighted the closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C. He called this decision “deeply consequential” and an example of poor diplomatic process. The closure followed fraud allegations involving one individual at the mission.

“We were shocked to learn of such a major decision through public announcements,” Jinapor said. He emphasized that a formal briefing should have preceded this significant decision.

The caucus stressed that accountability is important but must protect Ghana’s international reputation. They noted past misconduct was handled discreetly without harming the diplomatic corps's integrity.

“Using social media risks damaging Ghana’s standing internationally,” Jinapor warned. This approach affects diplomats, the country's image, and Ghanaians abroad.

The caucus clarified they support holding individuals accountable when wrongdoing occurs. However, they want actions taken within institutional and diplomatic best practices.

They also raised concerns about recent developments at the Ministry. These include issues with chip-embedded passports and changing timelines for passport processing.

Jinapor stated these initiatives caused public confusion due to limited consultation and weak coordination. He acknowledged that President Mahama's administration is still adjusting to high-level diplomacy demands.

“International relations require tact, quiet negotiation, and consistency,” he said. Diplomacy should not involve political point-scoring or hasty announcements; it needs careful maneuvering for long-term interests.

The Minority Caucus revealed even Majority members were unaware of some recent Ministry decisions. This highlights the need for better transparency between the Ministry and Parliament.

In conclusion, they called on the Foreign Minister to engage more with the Foreign Affairs Committee. They urged prioritizing institutional processes for a professional foreign policy agenda.

“With more consultation and less populism, Ghana’s global image will improve,” Jinapor said. “We trust the Minister will take these concerns seriously.”