Minority demands Ablakwa’s resignation over South Africa evacuation

The Minority in Parliament has accused Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa of concealing alleged corruption in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa and called on him to resign or be removed from office.

Speaking at a press conference led by
the deputy ranking member on the foreign affairs committee of parliament, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the minority accused the minister of concealing information about the charter flight arrangement used for the evacuation and called for an independent investigation into the expenditure.

“We don’t believe that such a minister should be in the office and continue to conceal this loot, to conceal this corruption,” Nana Asafo-Adjei stated.

He further questioned the minister’s credibility, describing his alleged conduct as dishonest and arguing that it was inconsistent with the responsibilities of a Foreign Affairs Minister who represents Ghana in dealings with the international community.

Nana Asafo-Adjei called on President John Dramani Mahama to ask Mr Ablakwa to resign or terminate his appointment to allow for an independent investigation into the matter.

On the cost of the charter flight, he argued that a flight from Pretoria to Accra using a Boeing 787-900 aircraft should cost between $150,000 and $180,000.

He added that even if additional charges and emergency-related expenses were considered, the total cost could be estimated at $400,000.

However, Nana Asafo-Adjei questioned why the minister had quoted $750,000 for the flight, insisting that the amount raised serious concerns about the evacuation arrangements.

He further alleged that the minister was seeking receipts to support his position on some of the issues raised, claiming that the efforts were intended to cover up alleged wrongdoing.

The Minority maintains that the minister must account for the expenditure and step aside to allow an independent investigation into the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

By: Jacob Aggrey