Ghanaians Demand Accountability, Not Political Deflection – NPP Finland Secretary Tells Ablakwa
The Secretary of the NPP Finland Branch, Peter Thompson, has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to address specific concerns raised about his Ministry’s GH¢49.7 million evacuation expenditure, instead of comparing it to the previous government.
In a statement titled “Ghanaians Demand Accountability, Not Political Deflection,” Mr. Thompson said the issue is straightforward: Can the Ministry account for every cedi reportedly spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa?
According to the statement, Ghanaians are aware that the COVID-19 evacuation under the previous NPP government reportedly cost GH¢96.97 million, which was accounted for and scrutinized by Parliament.
However, he said the current debate is not about who spent more, but about discrepancies flagged by the Minority in the financial and logistical records for the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa at a cost of GH¢49.7 million.
Four Concerns Raised:
1. Duplicate Names in Records: Reviewers reportedly identified duplicate entries in payment and logistical registers.
2. Discrepancies in Cash Disbursements: The Ministry stated each of the 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 as reintegration grant and GH¢500 as transport allowance, but the Minority argues gaps in the registers leave about GH¢6.2 million insufficiently accounted for.
3. Discrepancies in Flight Records: The Minority questioned the difference between the reported 1,964 evacuees and commercial flight records, reportedly leaving 791 people whose travel documentation requires clarification.
4. Payments Involving Minors: Questions about payments reportedly processed directly in the names of minors rather than their parents or guardians.
Mr. Thompson noted that in response to these concerns, the Minority has called for a full independent audit by a qualified accounting firm, while Minister Ablakwa has rejected the allegations, insisting not a pesewa is missing and that receipts, boarding passes and grant payments are fully accounted for.
“HON. MINISTER, THE ISSUE IS NOT WHO SPENT MORE. THE ISSUE IS ACCOUNTABILITY,” he stressed.
“What Ghanaians expect from you is not another comparison with the previous administration, but a clear response to the specific concerns raised. Political affiliations should not determine the standards we apply to public accountability.”
He urged the Minister to address the discrepancies, publish relevant supporting records, and allow an independent audit to establish the facts.
“Public funds belong to the people, and every government has a duty to account for their use. No administration should consider itself above scrutiny. ACCOUNTABILITY MUST BE CONSISTENT, TRANSPARENCY MUST BE NON-NEGOTIABLE, AND PUBLIC TRUST MUST BE EARNED,” the statement concluded.
