Akosua Manu, an adviser to New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has called for greater transparency over the GH¢49.7 million reportedly spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks.
Manu’s comments come amid growing political debate over the cost of the evacuation exercise and questions raised by members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament about the documentation supporting the expenditure.
The evacuation operation, which reportedly took place between May 27 and September 4, 2026, involved the return of 1,964 Ghanaians to the country, according to information released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that the total cost of the exercise was GH¢49,721,786. He explained that the amount covered chartered and commercial flights, ground transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical care and other support provided to the returnees.
According to the minister, the government contributed GH¢33,721,786, while Engineers and Planners, a company owned by Ibrahim Mahama, donated GH¢16 million towards the exercise.
The government also reportedly provided each evacuee with a GH¢5,000 reintegration grant and a GH¢500 transportation allowance to support their return and resettlement.
However, the expenditure has attracted scrutiny from the Minority Caucus, which has questioned whether the available records adequately account for all payments and the number of people who benefited from the exercise.
Members of the Minority have called for an independent audit, citing concerns about possible discrepancies involving payment registers, flight records and the official number of evacuees. They argue that the relevant documents should be examined to establish how the money was spent.
The Majority Caucus on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee has rejected suggestions that the expenditure remains unaccounted for. It maintains that the ministry provided supporting documents, including evacuee lists, payment information, transport records and receipts relating to flights, accommodation and other services.
Manu’s demand has also emerged amid a separate political disagreement over a service passport reportedly sought by former NPP National Youth Organiser Nana Boakye, popularly known as Nana B.
The passport controversy has involved members of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and the Foreign Affairs Minister. The Majority Caucus has defended the minister’s position, citing a presidential directive concerning the return of diplomatic and service passports.
Manu has argued that the disagreement over the passport should not distract from questions about the evacuation expenditure. Her position reflects calls for the authorities to provide clear explanations and ensure that public spending can withstand scrutiny.
The competing claims have intensified the debate over the government’s handling of the evacuation funds. While the Minority is demanding an independent audit, the Majority maintains that the documents submitted by the ministry support the reported expenditure.
Further scrutiny of the relevant financial records could help clarify the outstanding questions and establish whether the reported costs and payments have been fully accounted for.
Source: Thepressradio.com
