The Tema United Cadres Front (UCF) has expressed support for an audit of the GH¢49.7 million spent on evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa following xenophobic attacks. In a press release, the group defended Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stating that the evacuation was a state-coordinated humanitarian exercise, not a personal or luxury flight. The UCF emphasized that the exercise involved 1,964 Ghanaians between May 27 and September 4, 2026.
According to the UCF, 956 evacuees were airlifted on chartered flights, while 1,008 travelled on commercial flights. The total expenditure presented by the Ministry was GH¢49,721,786, comprising GH¢38,835,512 for chartered flights, commercial tickets, ground transportation, feeding, hotel accommodation, and medical bills. An additional GH¢10,802,000 covered reintegration support and transport allowances for each evacuee.
The UCF stated that the Minister had submitted over 200 pages of documentation, including receipts, boarding passes, and flight manifests bearing all 1,964 names. The group also noted that the Minister had invited a full audit by the Audit Service. This move aims to provide transparency and accountability in the use of funds for the evacuation exercise.
The UCF questioned the NPP Minority's calls for the Minister's resignation or dismissal, describing them as inconsistent with the facts and driven by personal vendetta. The group accused the NPP Minority of inconsistency with figures, citing different numbers and claims. The UCF emphasized that if the cost of charter flights was considered high, it was a legitimate question for an audit.
The NPP Ranking Member, Hon. Abu Jinapor, admitted that they had not accused the Minister of any wrongdoing. The UCF described comparisons to former President Akufo-Addo's private jet saga as false and mischievous. The group argued that the evacuation exercise was about saving the lives of 1,964 distressed Ghanaians, not luxury or presidential comfort.
The Tema United Cadres Front demanded accountability and supported a thorough independent audit by the mandated state institution. However, the group opposed what it described as propaganda against the Minister, which could undermine his commitment to the welfare of Ghanaians abroad. The UCF called on the NPP to stop the propaganda and allow the due process of auditing to take its course.
The statement was signed by Comrade Posh Aggrey, Secretary, and Comrade Oliver Ahiafor Agbenyo, Chairman of the Tema United Cadres Front. The group's stance highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the use of public funds, while also emphasizing the importance of supporting humanitarian efforts to protect Ghanaians abroad.
Key points
- The Tema United Cadres Front supports an audit of the GH¢49.7 million spent on evacuating Ghanaians from South Africa.
- The group defends Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stating that the evacuation was a state-coordinated humanitarian exercise.
- The UCF demands accountability and a thorough independent audit by the mandated state institution.
