The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) in Ghana has initiated an investigation into the expenditure of GH¢49.7 million used to evacuate 1,964 Ghanaian nationals from South Africa. This probe follows reported discrepancies in payment records and supporting documents related to the evacuation operation. The OSP's examination focuses on public expenditure, not the government's decision to evacuate citizens whose safety was at risk.
The evacuation exercise, which took place from May 27 to September 4, 2026, was conducted in response to xenophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals in South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported a total expenditure of GH¢49,721,786 on the operation. This amount covered various expenses, including chartered flights, commercial airline tickets, transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical services, and reintegration allowances for the evacuees.
The OSP is examining possible discrepancies between the reported expenditure and payment records. These discrepancies include duplicate entries, inadequate supporting documents, and payments recorded against beneficiaries who claim they did not receive them. The investigation aims to establish whether the funds were properly accounted for and disbursed, identify the recipients of the payments, and determine whether any public officer or private individual improperly benefited.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa defended the operation's accounting, stating that all 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, including children and infants, received GH¢5,000 in reintegration support and GH¢500 for transportation. The Minister's comments come amid scrutiny from the minority caucus, which had raised concerns over the expenditure.
The OSP emphasized that its investigation concerns the management of public funds and should not be interpreted as questioning the government's humanitarian decision to evacuate citizens whose safety was at risk. The Office stressed that it would disclose further information where appropriate and reminded the public that all persons concerned are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The evacuation operation was a collaborative effort, with GH¢33.72 million in direct government funding and GH¢16 million contributed by Engineers and Planners. The successful evacuation brought 1,964 Ghanaian nationals back to the country, providing them with essential support and services.
The investigation by the OSP is ongoing, and the Office is expected to provide updates on its findings. The probe highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly in humanitarian operations.
Key points
- The OSP is investigating GH¢49.7m spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa amid reported payment discrepancies.
- The investigation focuses on public expenditure, not the government's humanitarian decision to evacuate citizens.
- All 1,964 evacuees received GH¢5,000 in reintegration support and GH¢500 for transportation.
