Manasseh Azure demands release of evacuation jet rental receipts, commends Ablakwa’s transparency

Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has praised Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for voluntarily disclosing government documents related to the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa. However, Mr Azure has demanded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs release receipts for the rental of aircraft used during the evacuation.

The journalist, who has rarely witnessed such transparent government actions, acknowledged that the disclosure of beneficiary records, payment documents and other expenditure details was a significant step towards promoting accountability. However, he maintained that the aircraft rentals constituted a major component of the evacuation expenditure and should be subjected to the same level of public scrutiny.

Mr Azure noted discrepancies in the evacuation records, including duplicate names, beneficiaries receiving different allowances, and claims of insufficient funds. He questioned the Minister's assurance of no ghost beneficiaries and called for a thorough examination of the discrepancies. The journalist also urged the opposition NPP Minority to maintain transparency if they return to government.