The Minority in Parliament has called for the immediate resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over allegations that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa received less than the GH¢5,500 support package announced by the government.
At a press conference led by Hon. Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, on Tuesday, October 27.
Hon Jinapor also called for a comprehensive, independent audit of the evacuation exercise by an internationally reputable accounting firm to establish the facts surrounding the alleged payment shortfalls.
“We call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to resign immediately,” Hon Jinapor said, arguing that the handling of the exercise had brought the minister’s office into disrepute.
He cited Section 2.1(j) of President John Dramani Mahama’s 2025 Code of Conduct and Ethics for Political Appointees, arguing that the minister should accept responsibility for what the Minority considers a failure of leadership and a breach of public trust.
The ranking member further urged President Mahama to terminate hon Ablakwa’s appointment if he fails to resign, citing Article 81 of the 1992 Constitution.
“Should the minister remain in office, the Minority in Parliament will consider initiating the parliamentary process for a vote of censure under Article 82 of the Constitution and Order 138 of the Standing Orders of Parliament,” he stated.
The Minority’s demands come amid concerns over the financial support provided to Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, with questions being raised about whether all beneficiaries received the full amount announced by the government. Following reports that at least three people contacted from the evacuation list claimed they received GH¢2,000 instead of the GH¢5,500 support package announced by the government.
However, Hon Ablakwa has denied the allegations, insisting that every Ghanaian on the evacuation list, including minors, received the full amount.
According to the Minister, the package comprised GH¢5,000 in reintegration support and GH¢500 for transportation.
