By Sarah Baafi
A corporate governance expert and lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) Law School, Kweku Anane Gyinde, has urged Ghana to carefully balance its diplomatic language to protect the country’s national interest following tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking on On the Headlines, on GTV Breakfast Show while discussing Ghana’s condemnation of a drone strike in Dubai that left two Ghanaian nationals injured, Dr Anane stressed that international diplomacy must always be guided by a country’s strategic interests rather than emotional reactions.
According to him, while it is important for countries to speak out on global issues, foreign policy decisions must be weighed against their potential impact on national security, economic relations and international partnerships.
Dr Anane explained that in international relations, nations do not act simply based on what is morally right but rather on what advances and protects their national interests.
“In diplomacy, you ask yourself whether the position you are taking will promote and protect your national interest. That is the fundamental principle of international relations,” he said.
His comments come amid debate over the tone of press statements issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the escalating tensions in the Middle East. Some critics argue that the wording of the statements could expose Ghana to unnecessary risks within the broader geopolitical conflict.
Dr Anane noted that countries must also consider their global influence, military capacity and economic weight before making strong diplomatic pronouncements.
“You do not just get up and make pronouncements because you think it is right. You must ask whether such statements will serve your national interest,” he added.
The governance expert further referenced the structure of the United Nations, noting that global decisions on the use of force are often shaped by the interests of powerful nations with veto power in the United Nations Security Council.
He mentioned that permanent members such as the United States, United Kingdom, China and France often determine whether international action is taken, highlighting the complexities smaller countries face in global diplomacy.
Dr Anane concluded that Ghana must remain strategic in its responses to international crises, ensuring that its diplomatic stance aligns with the protection and promotion of its national interests.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com