Ablakwa must brief Parliament on safety of Ghanaians in the Middle East — Habib Iddrisu

The Member of Parliament for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Chief Whip, Habib Iddrisu, has called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to brief Parliament on government’s plans to ensure the safety of Ghanaian nationals amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

This follows coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran that began on Saturday, February 28, and have since intensified into a broader conflict across the region.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also confirmed that two Ghanaian nationals were injured in a drone incident near Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, March 11.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, March 12, Mr. Iddrisu said the public and Parliament must be updated on government’s position and the measures being taken to protect Ghanaians living in the affected areas.

He also recalled that when Mr. Ablakwa served as Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, he travelled to Ukraine following the 2022 invasion by Russia.

He further questioned why the Minister had not yet briefed lawmakers despite the growing concerns over the conflict and the reported injury of two Ghanaian nationals.

“When there was war between Russia and Ukraine, the then Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs was in Ukraine. I don’t know what he is still doing in Ghana,” the Tolon MP said.

The opposition lawmaker stressed that Parliament must be properly informed so lawmakers can understand government’s stance and the measures being taken to safeguard Ghanaian citizens in the region.