NPP gives Ablakwa 7-day ultimatum over South Africa evacuation spending, vows further action

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for the provision of documents detailing the expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa. The party's Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, made the announcement during a press briefing on Sunday, October 18.

The NPP is requesting charter flight invoices, contracts, payment vouchers, signed payment records, and a comprehensive list of the 1,964 evacuees, complete with proof of payment against each individual's name. They have also asked for the details of the charter operator's selection under the Public Procurement Act and an explanation of the GH¢16 million reportedly involved in the evacuation arrangements.

The party wants the Minister to clarify discrepancies in the reports and to undergo an independent audit by an internationally recognized firm, with the findings made public. If the demands are not met within the given timeframe, the NPP has warned that they will support the Minority in Parliament to pursue the matter formally, including through urgent questions to the Minister and a petition to the Auditor-General.

Party officials argue that the 1,964 Ghanaians who evacuated from South Africa have suffered enough and should not be used as a pretext for concealing public spending.