Ablakwa Has Earned My Respect If He Resigns I Will Personally Lead A Demonstration Against It

Akwatia Member of Parliament Bernard Bediako Baidoo has expressed strong support for Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over the GH¢49.27 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa, saying the minister has earned his respect.Joy News report, 31 October 2026; statements and coverage of the South Africa evacuation expenditure by MyJoyOnline, GhanaWeb and The Ghanaian Chronicle.

Speaking on 31 October 2026, Baidoo declared that if Ablakwa resigns over the controversy, he will personally lead a demonstration against the decision.

The remarks come amid ongoing political debate surrounding the cost of bringing home 1,964 Ghanaians between May and September 2026 following xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The government has put the total expenditure at approximately GH¢49.72 million, with GH¢33.72 million coming from state funds and GH¢16 million donated by Engineers and Planners.

The Minority in Parliament has questioned the figures, alleging discrepancies in payment records, flight documentation and allowances. They claim more than GH¢16 million requires further explanation and have called for an independent audit, with some demanding the minister’s resignation.

Ablakwa has rejected the claims, insisting that every cedi is accounted for. He has presented detailed breakdowns covering chartered and commercial flights, accommodation, feeding, medical costs, and reintegration packages of GH¢5,000 plus GH¢500 transport allowance for each returnee. The Majority on the Foreign Affairs Committee has also defended the exercise, stating that comprehensive records of all evacuees and supporting documents have been provided.

Baidoo’s intervention adds a cross-party note of solidarity. As an MP, his public pledge to mobilise against any forced resignation signals that not all members of the opposition share the same view on the matter.

The evacuation remains a flashpoint between the two major parties. While the Minority continues to press for greater scrutiny, supporters of the minister argue that the operation successfully brought citizens home under difficult circumstances and that the accounts are in order.

Baidoo’s statement makes clear where he stands: he respects Ablakwa’s handling of the matter and is prepared to take to the streets if the minister is pushed out.

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