The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has suggested the establishment of a comprehensive national evacuation policy to better protect Ghanaians abroad.
He stressed the importance for Ghana to establish a comprehensive national evacuation framework to protect citizens stranded in crisis abroad, as the lack of such a guide had often left some gaps in dealing with such emergencies.
He noted that although Ghana has built a strong reputation for successful evacuations, including during the Liberian civil war under the Rawlings administration and the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict under the Akufo-Addo administration, the country still lacks a permanent institutional framework.
Framework
Speaking in an interview on the growing concerns over the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa, the Damongo MP, who is also the Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, said while previous efforts had been successful, there was no permanent blueprint; therefore, it was now important to develop one to serve as a guide for future incidents, rather than relying on plans implemented only after incidents occur.
"Ghana has gotten to the point where we should have an evacuation policy. Perhaps we should even legislate on it and establish a dedicated authority or governmental outfit solely responsible for evacuations whenever our citizens abroad are in distress," he said.
The Ranking Member disclosed that the Minority has consistently raised the matter both on the floor of Parliament and at the committee level and intends to formally engage the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the proposal.
He said though discussions on a possible private member's bill are yet to begin, Mr Jinapor maintained that Parliament will continue advocating a structured evacuation architecture.
He again stressed the need for urgent measures to strengthen the protection of Ghanaians abroad, while ensuring that citizens living outside the country receive the support they deserve during times of crisis.
Collaboration
Mr Abu Jinapor also called for a collaborative effort between government and all stakeholders in responding to the crisis.
"In this crucial time, it is important for Government and all stakeholders to work together to bring relief and support to all our compatriots in South Africa who may need it," he said.
He also, on behalf of the Minority, expressed sympathy for affected families, saying: “We, the Minority and I believe all of us Ghanaians continue to send our solidarity, empathy and prayers to our compatriots in South Africa.”
The Ranking Member also reaffirmed the Minority's support for the Government of Ghana's decision to escalate the matter to the African Union.
"We fully support the government's decision to petition the African Union.
These attacks have become one too many, and there are systemic and endemic conditions in South Africa that the authorities there ought to address," he said.
He urged Ghanaians to treat the situation as a national concern that transcends partisan politics, stressing that the safety and welfare of all Ghanaian citizens abroad is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation among government, Parliament, diplomatic missions and all relevant stakeholders.
