Minority says Foreign Ministry has failed to release GH¢50m evacuation records despite RTI request

The Minority in Parliament says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has failed to provide detailed expenditure records on the nearly GH¢50 million spent on the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians from South Africa.

The Minority Caucus on the Foreign Affairs Committee says it will therefore not participate in a closed-door meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, unless the Ministry provides the itemised account and supporting documents it has requested.

The meeting is expected to be addressed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals following xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

In a statement signed by Damongo MP and Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Minority said it supported the government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaians whose safety and welfare had been threatened.

“From the outset, the Minority supported government’s decision to evacuate Ghanaian citizens whose safety and welfare had been threatened by the unfortunate xenophobic attacks in South Africa.”

However, the Caucus said its support for the evacuation does not relieve the government of its obligation to account for public funds used for the exercise.

“That support, however, cannot dispense with the equally important obligation of Government to account fully and transparently for the expenditure of public funds.”

The Minority said it submitted a formal request under the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), on August 17, seeking comprehensive information on the cost and financing of the evacuation.

The request was received by the Ministry on August 25.

According to the statement, the request sought details on expenditure, funding sources, private partners and their contributions, flights and other transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical services and reintegration payments.

It also requested relevant procurement and payment records.

The Minority said the Minister announced on September 7 that almost GH¢50 million had been spent on the evacuation and reintegration of 1,964 Ghanaians.

However, it says the Ministry has yet to provide the itemised account and supporting documentation needed to establish how the money was spent.

“The expenditure of public funds carries with it a corresponding duty of accountability.”

The Caucus said it does not consider it appropriate to attend a closed-door meeting on the evacuation while its formal request for the underlying expenditure records remains outstanding.

It has consequently resolved not to participate in Wednesday’s meeting unless the requested documents are provided.

The Minority has also reiterated its demand for full disclosure of the expenditure.

“The Minority will remain resolute in the discharge of its constitutional and parliamentary responsibility to demand transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayers’ funds.”