The Minority in Parliament has described the explanations and actions taken so far by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, over allegations of the sale of diplomatic and service passports as inadequate, insisting on an independent parliamentary investigation into the matter.
The Minority’s position was communicated by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, during a press conference, where he questioned the adequacy of a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the allegations.
Hon. Abu Jinapor acknowledged the ministry’s statement, which was issued barely two hours before the press conference, but said it failed to address the concerns raised by the Minority.
He observed that the statement, which the minister had widely publicised, came after the press conference had already been advertised.
“The ministry statement does not answer any of the issues we are about to raise, and indeed that statement further strengthens our call for an independent parliamentary probe,” Mr Abu Jinapor stated.
He explained that the allegations were significant because they touched on the exercise of governmental authority and the integrity of official documents issued in the name of the Republic.
“The concerns before us touch directly on the exercise of governmental authority and the integrity of official documents issued in the name of the Republic,” he said.
Hon. Abu Jinapor maintained that Parliament, as an independent arm of government responsible for oversight of the Executive, had a duty to thoroughly scrutinise the allegations and demand accountability from officials entrusted with such responsibilities.
“Parliament, as an independent arm of government charged with oversight of the executive, has a duty to subject such matters to serious scrutiny and demand a full account from those entrusted with that authority,” he added.
He said the Minority was seeking an independent parliamentary inquiry to ensure that the allegations were properly investigated and all relevant evidence examined.
“Our purpose is to secure an independent parliamentary inquiry in which the available material can be examined, witnesses heard, and all persons concerned afforded a fair opportunity to respond,” Mr Abu Jinapor said.
The Minority is therefore maintaining its demand for a parliamentary probe, arguing that the ministry’s explanations and actions so far do not adequately address the concerns surrounding the alleged sale of diplomatic and service passports.
Source: Newspyramid.com
