The opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns over the cost of charter flights used by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to evacuate Ghanaians fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa, alleging that the government paid significantly above market rates.
According to the NPP, documents released by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa indicate that three charter flights cost US$2.25 million, with each flight reportedly priced at US$750,000 to transport approximately 900 Ghanaian evacuees.
The party claims its market checks suggest that comparable charter flights from Ethiopian Airlines or Air Tanzania would cost between US$180,000 and US$300,000 per flight. Based on these estimates, the NPP argues that the government could have saved at least US$1.35 million.
Speaking at a press conference, NPP National Communications Director Dennis Miracles Aboagye questioned the reported expenditure, estimating that the cost amounted to approximately US$2,500 per passenger.
The party further stated that the three charter flights accounted for GH¢27.18 million, representing 55 per cent of the GH¢49.72 million reportedly spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians. It accused the Ministry of failing to provide the original invoices, contracts and details of the flight operator.
The NPP is demanding the publication of the original Ethiopian Airlines invoices, disclosure of the charter operator and an explanation of the procurement process. It has also called for an independent audit of the evacuation expenditure and given the Foreign Affairs Minister seven days to submit the relevant documents to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
However, Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has maintained that the necessary documents and signed records are available, insisting that no money is missing from the evacuation exercise.
The controversy has sparked renewed calls for government accountability, public financial transparency and proper management of taxpayer money in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com