Not a cedi missing in South Africa evacuation exercise – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has rejected allegations of corruption in the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, insisting that not a Cedi is missing from funds spent on the exercise.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Mr Ablakwa dismissed the Minority in Parliament’s claims that his handling of the operation caused financial loss to the state.

“I can state unequivocally without any doubt that not a cedi, not a pesewa is missing,” he said.

His response follows the Minority’s demand for an independent audit of the GH¢49.72 million exercise. The caucus alleges that the Ministry’s expenditure records leave more than GH¢16.4 million requiring further explanation.

The concerns include alleged discrepancies in reintegration grants, transport allowances and flight records.

**READ ALSO: **Minority caucus questions GH¢16.4m in Ablakwa’s SA evacuation spending, demands independent audit

The evacuation brought 1,964 Ghanaians home between May 27 and September 4, 2026, following renewed xenophobic attacks and intimidation against foreign nationals in South Africa. The Ministry put the total cost at GH¢49,721,786.

On September 18, the Ministry submitted a report exceeding 200 pages to the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, in response to a Right to Information request. The documents included evacuees’ contact details and signatures.