Former Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Acheampong, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama, accusing him of repeating past mistakes by failing to learn from the controversial “Gitmo 2” saga during his first term.
His remarks come in response to government’s decision to accept a group of West African deportees from the United States without first presenting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to Parliament for approval.
Mr. Acheampong argued that President Mahama’s approach to international agreements remains problematic. He recalled that during Mahama’s first term, two Guantanamo Bay detainees were admitted into Ghana without parliamentary approval—an action that later prompted a court ruling requiring the agreement to be ratified or the detainees returned to the U.S.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Mr. Acheampong said the government’s failure to follow proper procedures shows that “we are not learning as a country.”
“I think this shouldn’t have been a matter that we have to revisit because we have gone through this before. My concern is about governance and international relations practice. If a similar situation arises, history should guide us to handle it smoothly,” he explained.
He expressed disappointment that the same errors are being repeated.
“It is concerning because it happened in my senior brother John’s first term, and we are experiencing it again in the second term. When it goes on and on, it seems we are not learning anything as a country,” he said.
Mr. Acheampong also backed the Minority in Parliament, who have raised constitutional objections to the agreement.
“My colleagues in Parliament are saying let’s do things right, and I believe that is what they are asking. I hope that we eat humble pie,” he added.
The Minority caucus has urged the government to halt the deal, insisting it contravenes Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires all treaties, agreements, or conventions signed under the President’s authority to be laid before Parliament for ratification.
Source: Adomonline
