The majority NDC members of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament have thrown their full support behind the Minister for Foreign Affairs over the temporary closure of Ghana’s Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The closure, they stressed was necessary and cited anti-corruption measures and service reforms as the driving force behind the decision.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday May 28, Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije emphasized that the Embassy’s closure was a necessary step to address “frontline activities and corrupt practices” that had plagued the mission.
“The reasons for which the closure became necessary are known to all of us. The Minister has followed information from the Embassy concerning frontline activities, corrupt practices, and made that decision to close the Embassy to ensure that we reset activities… to the highest professional levels.”
The Embassy reopens today Thursday, May 29, following what Vanderpuye described as a complete reset designed to restore integrity and public trust in its operations.
“It’s good news for all of us. We must not, and I say again, we must not, as Ghanaians, when we see corruption… condone it. We support the Minister for all the actions that he has taken,” he said.
The Ranking Member also hinted that similar issues may be present in other Ghanaian diplomatic missions abroad and charged the Foreign Affairs Ministry to extend its reform agenda beyond Washington.
“We are also aware that such practices are taking place in other embassies. We urge the Minister to take the necessary steps to ensure that all of our embassies serve the people’s interest without any room for corruption,” he noted.
Hon. Oko Vanderpuije acknowledged public criticism regarding the mode of communication used by the Minister – particularly the use of Facebook to break the news. While he didn’t directly defend the communication strategy, he reiterated the importance of the substance over the method.
“The way the Minister came out with the information could have been better but what is important is that action was taken. The Embassy is being reopened, and we’re committed to ensuring that it runs with transparency,” he assured.
The Ablekuma South MP affirmed that members of the Foreign Affairs Committee would soon visit the Washington Embassy to independently verify that the reforms are being implemented and that services are being rendered free from corruption.
