Damongo Member of Parliament, Samuel Abu Jinapor has condemned the killing of women and children in the Israel-Gaza conflict but insists Ghana should take a non-aligned stance in the war.
The former Lands and Natural Resources Minister criticised recent remarks by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, pointing out that they reveal Ghana has abandoned its historical role as a neutral mediator in international conflicts.
Mr Jinapor argued that by describing the Israel–Gaza situation as “genocide” and pledging solidarity with the Palestinian side, Mr Ablakwa has effectively taken a partisan stance, a posture that, in Jinapor’s view, undermines Ghana’s reputation for balanced diplomacy.
“The point we are making is that the absolute declaration by the government through the Foreign Minister when it comes to this Israel and Palestinians conflict risks branding Ghana as taking sides in the conflict,” he said on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday.
He added that, “We are simply saying that is not something which is in line with the old time-tested, cherished foreign policy position of Ghana since independence, of non-alignment, of impartiality, and of bridge-building, peace-making country.”
The remarks follow those by Mr Ablakwa, who characterised the assault on Gaza as “genocidal” and expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, including material support.
But according to the Damango MP, such language suggests a shift from principled neutrality to overt partisanship. “Once you make such categorical conclusion and declaration you risk being aligned with one of the blocks,” he said.