The Minority in Parliament is pressing for an official briefing on Ghana’s relations with South Africa following the fatal shooting of Ghanaian national Bashiru Isak in Cape Town.
Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and Bosome Freho MP, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, wants Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to appear before the House and explain the government’s diplomatic response to the incident.
“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,” Mr Ayeh said.
He argued that the widespread public discussion surrounding the case made it necessary for Parliament to receive an official account of developments.
“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.
Responding to the request, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga indicated that the Foreign Affairs Minister would be consulted before a decision is taken on whether the matter should be brought before the House.
“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,” Ayariga said.
Bashiru Isak was shot and killed in Cape Town amid reported anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa. His remains have since been repatriated to Ghana, while the government has called for investigations into his death and pledged to pursue diplomatic efforts to ensure justice.
