Relax, we have nothing to hide – NDC communicator tells Minority over evacuation accountability

National Democratic Congress (NDC) spokesperson Hajia Alimatu Issahak has advised the Minority in Parliament to be patient regarding queries about the government’s spending on transporting Ghanaians out of South Africa. She stated that the administration is ready to address the Minority’s questions once the evacuation operation is completed.

On Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Hajia Alimatu Issahak said the most recent flight with evacuated Ghanaians landed in the country last Thursday, implying that the Minority should grant the government the necessary time to compile and share the relevant information. “The last flight arrived last Thursday, so the Minority should take a deep breath,” she said.

Her remarks come after the Minority demanded a detailed report on the GH¢49.7 million the government reportedly spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic incidents. The Minority has challenged the evacuation figures and cost and has used the Right to Information (RTI) process to obtain supporting documentation.

She also accused the NPP of suddenly embracing accountability now that they are in opposition, but maintained that the NDC government has nothing to hide. “We know the NPP only talks about accountability after going into opposition, but we in the NDC, as part of our reset plan, have nothing to hide and will answer their concerns,” she said.

Hajia Alimatu Issahak warned against jumping to conclusions about the evacuation expenditure, stressing that the nation’s welfare and accountability were equally important to the government. “We must not be in a rush to judge or dismiss. The country and accountability are both essential, as our integrity matters to us,” she added.

The Minority’s concerns followed Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s revelation that the government spent GH¢49.7 million to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa amid the xenophobic attacks. The Minority has since asked for documentary proof of both the number of evacuees and the expenditure, while the government has assured that the appropriate information will be provided.