The Minority Caucus in Parliament has formally requested comprehensive financial and operational records from the government following the expenditure of GH¢49.7 million on the voluntary evacuation of citizens from South Africa.
The call comes after Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed on 7 September that 1,964 Ghanaians were repatriated following a wave of xenophobic violence, incurring a total cost of GH¢49,721,786.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, 10 September, the Deputy Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo Adjei Ayeh, stated that the request focuses strictly on fiscal accountability rather than personal data.
“Nobody is asking government to publish passport, medical diagnosis, bank account numbers or other unnecessary private information. We are asking for enough documentary information to verify the public account,” Mr Ayeh said.
The Minority maintains that the government’s assertion that all liabilities are settled and the exercise is concluded must be backed by transparent documentation, including passenger manifests, flight ticket receipts, service provider invoices, and corresponding payment ledgers.
“If the books are closed, then let’s open the books. Let the travel ledger reconcile with the payment ledger. Let the first phase manifest reconcile with the final first phase number. Let every commercial batch reconcile with the ticket and invoice,” Mr Ayeh added.
Emphasising that the initiative aims to foster transparency rather than political controversy, Mr Ayeh noted: “We do not need accusations where documents can provide answers. We do not need speculation where accounts can be established.”
While the government maintains the operation was a swift humanitarian response to protect citizens affected by renewed violence, the Minority insists the GH¢49.7 million layout must undergo full parliamentary scrutiny.
