The Minority in Parliament is demanding the removal of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over claims that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa received less than the GH¢5,500 financial assistance announced by the government.
The Caucus wants the Minister to resign voluntarily, warning that President John Dramani Mahama should dismiss him if he fails to do so.
The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, announced the position at a press briefing in Parliament on Tuesday, October 27.
Mr Jinapor also proposed an independent audit of the evacuation exercise by an internationally recognised accounting firm to determine whether the funds were distributed in full to all eligible evacuees.
He maintained that the allegations required an impartial investigation and said the Minister should be held accountable under the government’s code of conduct for political appointees.
The Minority further cited Article 81(a) of the 1992 Constitution in urging President Mahama to terminate Mr Ablakwa’s appointment should he decline to resign.
The controversy follows reports that at least three individuals whose names appeared on the evacuation list alleged that they received GH¢2,000 rather than the GH¢5,500 package announced by the government.
Mr Ablakwa has rejected the claims, maintaining that all persons listed for evacuation, including children, received the full amount.
According to the Minister, the package consisted of GH¢5,000 for reintegration and an additional GH¢500 to cover transportation costs.
Speaking to members of the Ghanaian community in Ottawa, Canada, during an official visit, Mr Ablakwa said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not received any complaints about discrepancies in the payments since the evacuation exercise commenced more than four months ago.
He further stated that no concerns had been brought to his attention at the airport regarding missing envelopes or payments below the stipulated amount.
