The Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee and Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel A. Jinapor, has emphasized the need for Ghana to take a leading role in advocating democratic governance in the Sahel region. 

He asserts that as a nation built on democratic principles, Ghana must actively promote these values, particularly in its engagements with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which are currently under military rule.

Speaking in Parliament while seconding the motion for the approval of the budget estimate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Jinapor referenced Article 40 of Ghana’s Constitution, which mandates the government to promote democratic governance in its dealings with other nations.

“While we urge the Foreign Ministry to pursue the objective of regional integration, it is vital that we do not overlook the principles of democratic governance. We must work towards restoring democracy in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that all of West Africa and Africa at large is governed based on democratic practices,” he stated.

Jinapor cautioned that regional integration must not come at the expense of Ghana’s core democratic values. He underscored that democracy should remain the foundation of governance across the region, just as it is in Ghana.

Calling for proactive leadership, he urged the government to spearhead efforts to restore constitutional rule in the Sahel, ensuring that governance structures reflect the will of the people.

“With these few words, I lend my support to the motion and ask that this House adopts this report, supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that ultimately, Ghana’s flag will fly high in the community of nations,” he concluded.