The Minority caucus in Parliament today called for an independent investigation into the handling of the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, demanding the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The probe seeks to clarify the use of GH¢49.72 million allegedly spent to relocate 1,964 citizens between 27 May and 4 September 2026 amid rising xenophobic attacks.
During a press conference on Tuesday, 27 October, Minority members highlighted gaps in flight records, inconsistencies in payment registers and duplicate entries in evacuation documents. Ranking Member Samuel Abdulai Jinapor of the Foreign Affairs Committee said the revelations warranted an impartial inquiry and called on the Minister to step down immediately, warning that failure to do so would lead to a vote of censure and a request to President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss him.
Ablakwa has denied any financial impropriety, asserting that the expenditure is fully accounted for. He has also urged an independent audit of all evacuation exercises carried out since 2017, including the South Africa operation. The Minority insists that the investigation must establish accountability and ensure transparency in the management of public funds.
The caucus has threatened to initiate a vote of censure against the Minister in Parliament if its demand is not met, and has called for a thorough scrutiny of payments for reintegration and transport allowances linked to the evacuation.
