Ablakwa Drags Benjamin Gyewu-Appiah and Media General to Court Over Evacuation Controversy

Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has filed a defamation lawsuit against New Patriotic Party (NPP) communicator Benjamin Gyewu-Appiah and Media General over allegations concerning the government’s evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

The legal action follows comments made by Gyewu-Appiah during an appearance on Onua FM, where he reportedly made allegations of financial impropriety against the minister in connection with funds used for the evacuation exercise.

The allegations reportedly included claims involving the minister’s wife and the procurement of flight tickets for Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.

The controversy has attracted public attention, with questions being raised about the management and accountability of funds allocated to the operation.

Ablakwa has rejected allegations of financial wrongdoing and has taken the matter to court, seeking legal redress over statements he considers defamatory.

The evacuation exercise was undertaken following renewed xenophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa. Reports indicate that 1,964 Ghanaians were evacuated between May 27 and September 4, 2026, at a reported cost of GH¢49.72 million.

The lawsuit is expected to provide an opportunity for the parties to present their respective positions before the court.

The development adds another dimension to the political debate surrounding the evacuation exercise, particularly regarding transparency, public expenditure and the responsibility of individuals and media organisations when making allegations against public officials.

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