Some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have criticised the Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo Constituency in Savannah Region and Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Hon Samuel Abu Jinapor, following his performance during a debate with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme on October 17, 2026.
The criticism followed a discussion on the controversy surrounding the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, with some NPP supporters accusing Mr Jinapor of weakening the party’s position on the matter.
In separate social media posts, some party members expressed disappointment with the Damongo MP, questioning his defence of the NPP’s position during the programme.
One critic, J.A. Sarbah, questioned Mr Jinapor’s participation in the discussion and accused him of undermining the party’s case against Mr Ablakwa.
“Who sent you to Newsfile today?” Sarbah wrote, adding that the MP had allegedly scored an “own goal” in the debate.
Sarbah also questioned Mr Jinapor’s loyalty to the NPP, citing his family relationship with Energy Minister John Jinapor, whom he described as a committed member of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The critic further made allegations relating to the former Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, and mining concessions granted during Mr Jinapor’s tenure as Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
He wrote; “Wontumi is currently in jail because you refused to regularise certain documents for Wontumi while a minister”.
J.A. Sarbah further alleged; “It is also a charge on your head that Ibrahim Mahama has taken over some key state mining concessions because you personally granted some of those concessions while you were a Minister for Lands and Natural Resources”.
Another NPP supporter, Eworge Kpobli, also criticised Mr Jinapor’s conduct during the programme, accusing him of being overly accommodating towards Mr Ablakwa.
“Who sent Abu Jinapor to Newsfile today? He has destroyed the NPP’s case and was just licking Ablakwa’s feet!” Kpobli wrote.
He further accused the MP of failing to challenge Mr Ablakwa adequately during the discussion and called on the NPP to identify stronger communicators to represent the party in public debates.
Despite the criticism, other NPP members have defended Mr Jinapor, arguing that his participation in the programme should be assessed in his capacity as Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee rather than solely through the lens of party politics.
They maintained that his responsibility in that role required him to engage with the issues on their merits, even where his contributions might not align with the expectations of some party supporters.
Kwame Sakah, one of those who came to the MP’s defence, described Mr Jinapor as a committed NPP member who had worked his way up through the party and served under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Mr Jinapor is undoubtedly more NPP than most of you badmouthing him,” Sakah wrote, insisting that the MP had demonstrated his commitment to the party over the years.
He argued that Mr Jinapor’s conduct during the discussion did not amount to a betrayal of the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, but rather reflected a willingness to acknowledge points made by the Foreign Affairs Minister.
Sakah also praised Mr Ablakwa for what he described as transparency, honesty and accountability during the exchange, arguing that Mr Jinapor could not simply dismiss his opponent’s arguments because of party affiliations.
The controversy has highlighted differing expectations among NPP supporters about how senior party figures should conduct themselves during public debates, particularly on politically sensitive national issues.
While some party members believe Mr Jinapor should have mounted a stronger defence of the NPP’s position, others argue that his role as Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee requires him to prioritise substantive engagement with national issues.
Source: nkilgifm.com
