A diplomatic visit by British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Harriet Thompson, to Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has ignited controversy, leading to a formal petition demanding an urgent investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Simon Yaw Awadzi, the petitioner, has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to launch a full-scale inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the visit and its possible implications for Ghana’s sovereignty.
Unconventional Venue Raises Red Flags
While meetings between diplomats and political leaders are routine, this particular engagement has drawn scrutiny because it took place at Akosua Villa, the private residence of the Minority Leader, rather than at an official venue like Parliament.
“In what capacity did the Minority Leader receive the British High Commissioner at his private residence? If the visit was related to his position as the Minority Leader, it would have been expected to take place in Parliament, a formal venue designated for such meetings.”
— Simon Yaw Awadzi
The location alone has sparked intense speculation about the motives and content of the meeting, fueling concerns about transparency and potential risks to Ghana’s political independence.
Geopolitical Concerns Heighten Tensions
Awadzi’s petition goes beyond the optics of the visit, delving into the broader geopolitical climate in West Africa, where neighboring countries like Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire are grappling with insurgencies and diplomatic realignments.
The fear, according to Awadzi, is that what appears to be a benign diplomatic engagement could carry unintended and serious consequences for Ghana’s sovereignty.
Afenyo-Markin’s Ties to Former President Akufo-Addo Questioned
Adding to the unease is Afenyo-Markin’s known close relationship with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Given this close relationship, any stance taken by Hon. Afenyo-Markin is likely to reflect the position of the former President,” the petition noted.
This feeds into a growing narrative that the visit may not have been an isolated event but part of a larger diplomatic strategy with potential internal political ramifications.
Key Concerns Raised in the Petition
Awadzi’s petition calls for a comprehensive probe, highlighting the following key issues:
- The purpose of the visit and topics discussed
- Whether it was an official diplomatic engagement
- Potential implications for Ghana’s sovereignty and national interest
- The capacity in which Afenyo-Markin hosted the High Commissioner
- Possible reflection of former President Akufo-Addo’s stance and its broader impact
Rising Political Polarization & Security Concerns
Ghana’s political landscape has long balanced diplomatic protocol with political neutrality. However, with increasing polarization and instability in the region, the stakes are now higher.
Awadzi urged government agencies to exercise heightened vigilance, especially regarding the activities and foreign engagements of opposition figures.
“Ghana must tread carefully when it comes to foreign interactions, especially those that bypass institutional channels.”
— Simon Yaw Awadzi
Ministry Yet to Respond
As of now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not issued any statement in response to the petition.
With Ghana positioning itself as a regional leader in West Africa, safeguarding political stability and maintaining strong diplomatic relations has become even more critical. Awadzi’s petition serves as a timely reminder of the delicate balance between diplomacy and national security.
