The Minority in Parliament has intensified its demand for the government to provide comprehensive documentation detailing the costs incurred during the voluntary evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa amid recent xenophobic attacks.
The renewed call comes after a September 7 briefing by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who revealed that the government spent GH¢49.7 million to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa. While the Minority welcomed the disclosure, they insist that the minister’s statement must be substantiated with verifiable records that would allow Parliament and the public to independently confirm the expenditure.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo Adjei Ayeh, had previously filed a Right to Information (RTI) request seeking details of the evacuation, including full expense records and information on the individuals and organisations that contributed to the exercise.
Addressing the press on Thursday, September 10, Asafo Adjei Ayeh clarified that the Minority is not seeking any private information about evacuees but is calling for documents necessary to verify the government’s financial account. “Nobody is asking government to publish passport, medical diagnosis, bank account numbers or other unnecessary private information. We are asking for enough documentary information to verify the public account,” he explained.
The Minority supports the government’s decision to assist citizens wishing to return home and acknowledged the Foreign Affairs Minister’s disclosure as a positive step. However, they argue that public figures announced at a press conference are not sufficient for proper verification.
According to Asafo Adjei Ayeh, the government’s claims that the operation is complete, all liabilities settled, 1,964 people evacuated, and GH¢49,721,786 spent must be supported by relevant financial and operational records. “If the books are closed, then let’s open the books. Let the travel ledger reconcile with the payment ledger. Let the first phase manifest reconcile with the final first phase number. Let every commercial batch reconcile with the ticket and invoice,” he urged.
He added, “We do not need accusations where documents can provide answers. We do not need speculation where accounts can be established.”
The Minority is therefore calling on the government to make a full documentary account of the evacuation operation available, arguing that such transparency would boost public confidence and demonstrate responsible use of public funds.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com