Ablakwa has earned my respect – Akwatia MP vows to lead demonstration if he resigns

Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Bernard Bediako Baidoo, has thrown his support behind Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, declaring that he would personally lead a demonstration against the Minister if he resigns over allegations surrounding the distribution of financial support to Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.

He described Mr Ablakwa as one of the best public officers the country has had, arguing that the Minister had been transparent in responding to concerns about the evacuation exercise and accounting for the funds involved.

His comments come after the Minority in Parliament demanded the resignation of Mr Ablakwa over claims that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa received less than the GH¢5,500 support package announced by the government.

The demand was made by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday, October 27.

However, speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 31, Mr Baidoo questioned the basis of the Minority’s demand, insisting that the Minister had provided the necessary information when concerns were raised.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 31, Mr Baidoo rejected calls for Mr Ablakwa to step down, insisting that the Minister had earned his respect through his work in public office.

READ ALSO: Minority demands Ablakwa’s resignation or dismissal over SA evacuation payments

“I’ll say this today, the Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa has really earned my respect as one of the best public officers we’ve ever had in this country. I’m telling you, and look, if he resigns, personally, I’ll lead the demonstration against him,” he said.

The Akwatia MP pointed to previous instances in which the Foreign Affairs Ministry had allegedly failed to respond promptly to requests for information under the Right to Information (RTI) process, contrasting them with the Minister’s response to the latest concerns.

He argued that Mr Ablakwa had made relevant information available within days of the matter being brought to his attention, suggesting that the Minister had demonstrated a willingness to account for the evacuation exercise.

Mr Baidoo also questioned the Minority’s decision to focus its allegations on payments relating to the commercial flights, while making little reference to the charter flight arrangements.

Turning to the Minority’s presentation of the figures, Mr Baidoo questioned the calculations used to arrive at the alleged financial discrepancies, arguing that they did not provide sufficient grounds for demanding the Minister’s resignation.

He challenged the approach, describing the press conference as poorly executed and arguing that the figures presented did not, in themselves, establish that the Minister had misappropriated or failed to account for the money.

“I would rather believe what the Minority has or has been saying, because they know better. But you see, when you take this presser, very unfortunately, badly done, incompetently done, I’m so shocked. If but for envy, for whatever reason, this should not come from the Minority of the Republic,” he said.

He further expressed disappointment that the Minority, which he believes should understand the processes involved in demanding accountability from public officials, had handled the matter in that manner.

Mr Baidoo suggested that the allegations should be examined on the basis of the information available rather than being used to push for the Minister’s resignation.

He maintained that Mr Ablakwa’s response to the concerns surrounding the evacuation exercise should be taken into consideration in assessing the calls for him to leave office.

Mr Baidoo, however, has dismissed the basis for the demand, arguing that the Minister’s response to the concerns raised and his willingness to provide information should be taken into consideration.

The demand follows reports that at least three people contacted from the evacuation list claimed they received GH¢2,000 instead of the GH¢5,500 announced by the government.

Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa has denied the allegations, insisting that all Ghanaians on the evacuation list, including minors, received the full package comprising GH¢5,000 in reintegration support and GH¢500 for transportation.