Samuel Abu Jinapor
The Minority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday refused to participate in a closed-door meeting briefed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.
In a statement signed by the Ranking Member of the Committee, Samuel A. Jinapor, Member of Parliament (MP) for Damongo, the Minority said its decision follows the Ministry’s failure to provide full disclosure on the expenditure incurred.
The Minority said it supported the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaian nationals whose safety was threatened by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, noting that the protection of citizens abroad is an important responsibility of the state.
It, however, said that support does not dispense with the government’s obligation to account for public funds.
According to the statement, on August 17, 2026, the Minority submitted a formal request under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), with reference number MP/BF/RTI/2026/007, requesting comprehensive records relating to the cost and financing of the evacuation, which the Minister had indicated was funded by the government and “Ghanaian partners”.
The request was received by the Ministry on August 25.
The information sought included detailed expenditure, funding sources, identities and contributions of private partners, expenditure on flights, accommodation, feeding, medical services, reintegration payments, as well as procurement and payment records.
The Minority said on September 7, 2026, the Minister announced that almost GH¢50 million had been expended on the evacuation and reintegration of 1,964 Ghanaians, but the Ministry has not furnished the itemised account and supporting documentation requested.
“The expenditure of public funds carries with it a corresponding duty of accountability. Government must be prepared to account, not only for the total amount spent, but also for how that expenditure was incurred,” the statement said.
“In these circumstances, the Minority does not consider it appropriate to participate in a closed-door meeting intended to discuss the same subject matter while its formal request for the underlying expenditure records remains outstanding.”
The Caucus said it will not participate in the meeting unless and until the Ministry provides the itemised account and supporting records.
“We reiterate our call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to make full disclosure of the expenditure relating to the evacuation exercise,” Mr. Jinapor said, adding that the Minority will remain resolute in demanding transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ funds.
Meeting Rescheduled
Meanwhile, Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has rescheduled its planned meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa after the Minority declined to participate in the briefing.
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, said the meeting was rescheduled to ensure all committee members are present for the Minister’s briefing.
“We scheduled a meeting for the Minister to come and brief the committee. Unfortunately, the Minority decided that they will not be participating. I, as chair, decided that we must do whatever it takes to have all the committee members be part of the meeting with the Minister,” he said.
A Daily Guide Report