Ghana's Majority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has declared that no funds are missing from the GHS 49.7 million spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa. This statement defends Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa against allegations of financial impropriety. The committee reviewed extensive documentation, concluding that all expenditures were fully accounted for.
The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Dr. Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, made the announcement on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He rejected claims by the Minority Caucus that substantial sums remained unaccounted for. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provided a detailed report and extensive supporting documents for the operation.
This parliamentary defense follows a period of heightened scrutiny over government spending and accountability. Ghana's public finances have faced pressure, making transparent use of funds critical for public trust and investor confidence. Previous large-scale government expenditures have often drawn similar calls for detailed accountability from opposition parties.
Dr. Vanderpuije confirmed the committee received a comprehensive report from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This report covered the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa. It included a complete roll of all evacuees, detailing names, dates of birth, passport numbers, and payment records. The committee chairman stated, “Not a single name is missing or unaccounted for.”
The Majority's response addresses concerns raised by the Minority Caucus on October 11, 2026. The Minority had questioned the accountability of funds for this significant emergency evacuation. The Mahama administration launched the operation following a crisis involving Ghanaian nationals in South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ghana’s High Commission in Pretoria coordinated the repatriation.
Each of the 1,964 returnees reportedly received a GHS 5,500 transportation and reintegration allowance. This package aimed to help them resettle in Ghana. The total cost of the exercise was GHS 49.72 million. A GHS 16 million donation from Engineers and Planners, a company linked to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, supported the humanitarian effort.
Dr. Vanderpuije stated the Ministry’s submission included receipts and financial records. These covered chartered flights, commercial airline tickets, accommodation, feeding, and local transportation. Documentation for the GHS 16 million donation was also submitted for parliamentary scrutiny. This included correspondence and letters acknowledging receipt of the support.
After reviewing all records, the Majority Caucus concluded the Ministry fully accounted for the expenditure. Dr. Vanderpuije affirmed, “The total cost of the evacuation, being GHS 49,721,786, represents a true and accurate reflection of the evacuation exercise.” He noted the extensive records presented were unprecedented in his decade of service on the committee. He praised the Ministry and Foreign Minister for their commitment to transparency.
The Majority Caucus strongly defended Hon. Ablakwa against sustained criticism from the Minority. Dr. Vanderpuije argued that attempts to portray the Minister as presiding over financial irregularities lacked evidence. He also revealed that the Foreign Minister voluntarily sought to brief the Foreign Affairs Committee. However, Minority members on the committee allegedly boycotted this engagement.
The Majority suggested the Minority's decision to air concerns publicly, rather than through parliamentary oversight, raised questions about their motives. They also noted no evacuated Ghanaian had publicly complained about not receiving the GHS 5,500 allowance. To reinforce transparency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requested an independent audit of the evacuation exercise. Dr. Vanderpuije confirmed the committee received a copy of this request, dated September 17, 2026, addressed to the Auditor-General.