Accra:First paragraph Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has affirmed that no funds are missing from the GHS49.72 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa stated unequivocally that not a single cedi or pesewa is unaccounted for in the evacuation expenditure. His remarks were in response to demands from the Minority in Parliament for an independent audit due to alleged financial discrepancies.
The Minority has expressed concerns about the financial aspects of the evacuation, particularly the reintegration grants, transport allowances, and flight records, suggesting that over GHS16.4 million requires further clarification. Despite these claims, Ablakwa insisted that all funds have been properly accounted for.
The evacuation, prompted by xenophobic attacks and threats against foreigners in South Africa, occurred between May 27 and September 4, 2026. A total of 1,964 Ghanaians were relocated at a cost of GHS49,721,786. The government funded GHS33,721,786 of the operation, with an additional GHS16 million provided by businessman Ibrahim Mahama's Engineers and Planners.
The ongoing debate now centers on the Minority's call for an audit and the minister's assurance of transparency in the financial handling of the evacuation process.