Accra:Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns regarding the GHS96.97 million spent on evacuating citizens during the COVID-19 pandemic under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. This expenditure has been questioned as it significantly surpasses the GHS49.72 million spent on a recent evacuation from South Africa by GHS47.25 million.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa highlighted that the COVID-19 evacuation costs were nearly double those of the South Africa operation. He mentioned that an audit is underway to assess the use of these funds, emphasizing the need for transparency in government spending.
Ablakwa noted that despite the high costs, over 80 percent of returnees during the pandemic paid for their own air tickets. Government support was limited to vulnerable citizens unable to afford travel expenses. Additionally, it was reported that the government spent GHS44 million on quarantine arrangements, contributing to the overall expenditure.
He expressed surprise at the high figure, expecting it to be lower given that many returnees financed their own travel and medical costs. Ablakwa stressed the importance of the audit to clarify the expenditures and cautioned against premature allegations of misconduct.
The Minority Caucus has also called for an independent audit of the GHS49.72 million spent on the South Africa evacuation, adding further scrutiny to the government's financial decisions during these evacuations.