Hot SourceMember of Parliament for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has filed an official complaint against the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accusing him of sidelining him from Ghana’s delegation to the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The petition, dated 6 October 2025, was copied to the Majority Leader and Minority Leader of Parliament.
In a petition addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, the Bosome-Freho legislator described the incident as “unfortunate and embarrassing,” warning that it could “undermine cordial working relationships among Members of Parliament from both sides of the House.”
“I write in my capacity as Member of Parliament for Bosome-Freho Constituency and Deputy Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs to bring to your esteemed attention an unfortunate action by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, which has the potential to undermine cordial working relationships among Members of Parliament and set a dangerous precedent for future engagements,” the petition stated.
The MP stated that by long-standing parliamentary convention, “the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Foreign Affairs participate in the United Nations General Assembly.”
“This year was no exception. My Ranking Member directed that I, as Deputy Ranking Member, represent him at the 80th Session of the UNGA,” he said.
Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said that while on assignment for the Minority in Abidjan, he received confirmation from Parliament’s Clerk regarding his participation.
“On 18th September 2025, I received my travel ticket from the Clerk, who further informed me that my Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) would be handed to me at Kotoka International Airport,” he explained.
However, events took a dramatic twist at the airport.
“The trip was scheduled for 22nd September 2025. However, upon arrival at the airport, I was informed at the check-in counter that my ticket had been withdrawn,” the MP recounted.
He added that efforts by the Committee Chairman and the Clerk to seek clarification from the Ministry were unsuccessful.
“Regrettably, the Minister’s Personal Assistant explained that the Ministry could only sponsor two participants, the Chairman and the Clerk, hence my exclusion and the withdrawal of my ticket.”
Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said the incident was “deeply embarrassing” and “avoidable” had there been proper communication.
“This unfortunate and embarrassing development could have been avoided had the Minister or the Ministry communicated their decision at least a day earlier, particularly since the withdrawal was made barely a day prior to departure,” he stated.
He further expressed concern about the reputational damage caused to Parliament.
“This incident has brought the name of Parliament into disrepute and risks fostering unnecessary acrimony among Members of Parliament,” he said.
The Bosome-Freho MP therefore appealed to the Speaker to investigate the matter and take appropriate steps to prevent future occurrences.
“I respectfully petition Your Rt. Hon. Speakership to take due notice of this matter and initiate the appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in the future,” he wrote.
“It is my humble view that the integrity and dignity of Parliament must always be safeguarded, and Members should not be subjected to avoidable embarrassment in the discharge of their duties.”
Asafo-Adjei Ayeh concluded with confidence in the Speaker’s impartiality, stating, “I remain confident that Your Rt. Hon. Speakership will give this matter the urgent attention it deserves.”
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