Ottawa:Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed allegations that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa received only GHS2,000 instead of the promised GHS5,500, amid calls from the Minority for an independent audit into the GHS49.72 million spent on the operation.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa asserted that all 1,000 Ghanaians on the evacuation list, including children, received the complete package, which included GHS5,000 for reintegration and GHS500 for transportation.
Ablakwa, speaking to the Ghanaian community in Ottawa, Canada, during an official working visit, stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not received any complaints regarding underpayment since the evacuation exercise began over four months ago. This follows reports that at least three individuals from the evacuation list claimed they received only GHS2,000.
The Minister emphasized the transparency of the payment process, noting that no beneficiary had complained at the airport about not receiving an envelope or being given less than the promised amount. He reiterated that there had been no complaints to date from any of the evacuated Ghanaians.
Meanwhile, the Minority has demanded an independent audit of the funds used for the evacuation exercise to clarify how they were allocated. Ablakwa described the support package as unprecedented, highlighting that previous evacuation efforts did not include similar allowances for reintegration and transportation.
Despite facing criticism, Ablakwa reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ghanaians in distress abroad, emphasizing his dedication to their welfare and rights.