The Minority in Parliament is demanding clarity from the government on the steps taken to address the fatal shooting of Ghanaian businessman Bashiru Isak in Cape Town, South Africa.
The caucus wants Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to appear before Parliament to brief lawmakers on Ghana’s diplomatic response to the incident and the broader state of relations between Accra and Pretoria.
The call was made by the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh.
According to him, the death of the Ghanaian businessman and the growing public debate surrounding the incident have made it necessary for the government to provide an official account of its engagements with South African authorities.
“The young Ghanaian who was shot and killed in South Africa was brought to Ghana. This House has requested that the Minister for Foreign Affairs be programmed before this House to brief the House on issues relating to the diplomatic relationship between Ghana and South Africa,” he said.
Mr Ayeh said much of the information circulating about the case was coming from social media, making a formal briefing by the government important to clarify the facts and outline the diplomatic steps being taken.
“We have been hearing a lot of the issues on social media, and I believe and wish that the Majority Leader programmes him to appear to brief us about the relationship with South Africa,” he added.
In response, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga said the Foreign Affairs Minister would be engaged on the matter to determine the appropriate way forward.
He, however, noted that whether the Minister would appear before the House would depend on the sensitivity of the issues involved and the government’s assessment of what could appropriately be discussed publicly.
“Whether or not the minister comes to brief the House about bilateral relations depends on the minister’s assessment of the sensitivity of the issues and whether or not it should be discussed,” Mr Ayariga said.
The Minority’s demand has brought renewed attention to the safety of Ghanaians living abroad and the government’s responsibility to respond decisively when citizens become victims of violence in foreign countries.
The case is also expected to heighten calls for stronger diplomatic engagement between Ghana and South Africa on the protection of foreign nationals and the response to attacks involving Ghanaian citizens.
