Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel A. Jinapor, has stressed the need for Ghana to lead efforts in promoting democratic governance in the Sahel region.

The Damongo MP stated that as a nation built on democratic principles, Ghana must uphold and advocate these values in its engagements with neighboring countries, particularly Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Mr Jinapor made this statement in Parliament while seconding the motion for the approval of the budget estimate for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

Citing Article 40 of Ghana’s Constitution, which mandates the government to promote democratic governance in its international relations, he highlighted the current military rule in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

He stressed that Ghana must remain unwavering in its commitment to restoring democracy in these 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.

Mr Jinapor reaffirmed that democracy is the foundation upon which governments should be built, just as it is in Ghana.

He called on the government to take a leadership role in efforts to restore constitutional rule in the Sahel, ensuring that the will of the people is respected across the region.

Expressing his full support for the motion before the House, he urged Parliament to adopt the report backing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“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.

His remarks reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to democratic values and serve as a call to action for the government to ensure that democracy remains central to its foreign policy engagements in the Sahel region.