Manhyia South MP Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah has criticised Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over Ghana’s decision to participate in a deportee arrangement with the United States.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, the legislator argued that his South Tongue counterpart’s handling of the matter shows a worrying lack of depth.
“In my humble opinion, I think the minister has taken a very simplistic view of this matter, and it is quite worrying,” the lawyer said.
“If you like, very respectfully, if I may take the liberty to state that it exposes him in terms of his appreciation of the office he holds, and the issues that are supposed to be dealt with by the office, particularly within the context of the constitution of this country and the security and safety of its people.”
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah insisted that the issue cannot be taken lightly.
“For us to appreciate what we are dealing with, we need to begin from the basis upon which the US is taking the current action of deporting people from different countries,” he stated.
His comments come after Mr Ablakwa confirmed that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s participation in a third-country deportation arrangement with the US.
The deal, announced on September 15 at the Government Accountability Series, involves Ghana accepting some West African deportees.
Mr Ablakwa stressed at the time that the arrangement is not a binding treaty but a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
He also assured the public that Ghana would conduct independent background checks to ensure no threats are admitted into the country.
Despite these assurances, the Manhyia South MP believes the minister has underestimated the gravity of the situation and the risks it poses.
Source: Abubakar Ibrahim
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