Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has defended the Minority’s demand for accountability over the cost of Ghana’s evacuation exercise in South Africa, rejecting claims that the move is intended to retaliate against Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
Jinapor maintained that the Minority is exercising its constitutional responsibility to scrutinise the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ensure transparency in the use of public funds. He insisted that the demand for answers should not be interpreted as political revenge or a personal dispute with the minister.
According to him, members of Parliament are obligated to perform their oversight duties diligently and without fear or favour to protect the interests of Ghanaians.
The controversy centres on expenditure incurred during the government’s evacuation exercise in South Africa. The Minority has called for a full account of the funds spent and demanded Ablakwa’s immediate resignation over alleged irregularities in the process.
Jinapor also disputed claims that the matter should be considered resolved because evacuees reportedly received government assistance. He referred to statements made during a press conference by some evacuees who allegedly said they received less money than they had been promised.
The ranking member cited one account in which an individual reportedly received GH¢1,700 instead of the expected GH¢5,500. He urged the public to review the press conference footage to understand the concerns raised.
Jinapor stressed that the Minority would continue pursuing lawful measures to ensure accountability if its concerns were not adequately addressed by the Foreign Affairs Minister or the President.
He reiterated that the demand for transparency over the South Africa evacuation expenditure is part of Parliament’s oversight responsibility and should not be dismissed as political retaliation.
The dispute has intensified calls for greater financial transparency, responsible public spending and accountability in Ghana’s foreign affairs administration.
Source: newsthemegh.com