{
  "id": 15052843,
  "title": "Ablakwa to face Newsfile questions on BRICS bid and GH¢49.7m evacuation cost",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/ablakwa-to-face-newsfile-questions-on-brics-bid-and-gh-49-7m",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-16T21:37:51.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/ablakwa-to-face-newsfile-questions-on-brics-bid-and-gh%c2%a249-7m-evacuation-cost/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa will be questioned on Ghana's application to join the BRICS economic group and the GH¢49.7 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, during his appearance on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on October 17. Host Samson Lardy Anyenini will cover these two topics, which have generated discussion about Ghana's foreign policy stance and the expenses incurred in protecting citizens abroad. The interview is scheduled after the Cabinet approved Ghana's formal application to join BRICS, a coalition of emerging economies. In a joint press conference with Dr S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, in Accra on October 6, Ablakwa highlighted how membership could diversify Ghana's international partnerships and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation. He emphasized that BRICS offers the nation more options in its development agenda. The decision to join BRICS requires approval from other members, as noted by Dr Jaishankar. The application has faced criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who have demanded an urgent briefing on the geopolitical and national-interest impacts of the move. Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has questioned why Ghana is seeking full membership instead of a partnership arrangement like Nigeria's. The evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks cost GH¢49.7 million, according to Ablakwa. The government contributed GH¢33.7 million, while Engineers and Planners, owned by Ibrahim Mahama, contributed GH¢16 million. Each evacuee received a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and GH¢500 for travel. Ablakwa defended the expenditure, stating that the lives saved and the dignity of Ghanaians are worth more than the cost. However, the Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee boycotted a planned briefing by Ablakwa, leading to the rescheduling of the meeting. The Majority Caucus has defended the expenditure, stating that no public funds are missing. Ablakwa has also requested an independent audit of evacuation operations by previous governments since 2017. Newsfile will air at 8:00am on Saturday, October 17 on Joy 99.7 FM, JoyNews, and other platforms.",
  "summary": "Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa will face questions on Ghana’s bid to join the BRICS economic bloc and the GH¢49.7 million spent evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa when he appears on JoyNews’ flagship current affairs programme, Newsfile, on Saturday, October 17. Mr Ablakwa will be interviewed by host Samson Lardy Anyenini on the two issues, which have sparked debate over…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "This Saturday on Newsfile: GH₵49.72m evacuation money, EC appointments, sex abuse in schools and Afenyo’s GH₵15m suit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/this-saturday-on-newsfile-gh-49-72m-evacuation-money-ec-appointments",
        "published": "2026-10-16T19:19:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}