Ablakwa’s bodyguard pocketed $10,000 from SA evacuation funds – Miracles Aboagye alleges

According to Miracles Aboagye, information gathered by the party disclosed that the bodyguard allegedly pocketed about $10,000 from funds allocated for the evacuation exercise.

He further alleged that  Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has dismissed his personal bodyguard over the alleged misappropriation of funds.

The NPP communication director said the NPP is demanding an explanation from the Minister to establish the truth behind the allegations and clarify the circumstances surrounding the reported dismissal.

Speaking at a press conference, Miracles Aboagye stated, “Okudzeto Ablakwa has sacked his bodyguard, and after we sought information, we gathered that the bodyguard allegedly benefited from $10,000 from the evacuation process. He has since sacked him, so based on that, we are calling on him to come and explain the situation to us because he is the minister, and this is the information we have”.

Miracles Aboagye further alleged that there were several discrepancies in the evacuation records provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a seven-day deadline to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to disclose detailed records of expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, threatening to pursue additional action if the documents are not provided.

The party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, announced the demand at a press briefing on Sunday, October 18, insisting that the government must account for the public funds reportedly used for the exercise.

According to the NPP, they want Ablakwa to release contracts and invoices for chartered flights, payment vouchers, signed payment records and a comprehensive list of all 1,964 evacuees, including evidence of payments made in respect of each individual.

Dennis Miracles Aboagye said the documents should be made available within seven days through the relevant Right to Information (RTI) process and to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

The NPP is also demanding an explanation of the process used to select the charter flight operator, including whether the procurement complied with the Public Procurement Act.

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, October 18, Miracles Aboagye stated, “Produce the complete set of documents within 7 days. Lay before the RTI requisition and Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee every charter invoice and contract, every payment voucher, every signed sheet, and the full list of 1,964 evacuees with proof of payment against each name”.

They further called on the Minister to account for the reported GH¢16 million expenditure, providing details of how the money was used and clarifying whether any portion was paid in cash or spent on purchases.

Questions have also been raised about information relating to ASKY Airlines and differences between two versions of a letter identified as CC/7. The NPP wants the discrepancies explained and confirmation of which version was presented to the Auditor-General.

The NPP is also proposing an independent audit by an internationally recognised firm. It wants the audit’s terms of reference and final findings published for public scrutiny.

Although the NPP welcomed the Auditor-General’s review of the expenditure, Mr Aboagye maintained that further accountability measures were necessary.

He warned that the party would support the Minority in Parliament to pursue the matter if the seven-day deadline passed without the requested information being provided. Possible steps include pressing for urgent parliamentary questions to the Foreign Affairs Minister.