NDC regional chairmen back Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa against corruption claims

The Regional Chairmen of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have unified in defense of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, dismissing recent allegations of financial mismanagement and passport irregularities as a politically motivated smear campaign. Led by the Volta Regional Chairman, Mawutor Agbavitor, the group held a press conference in Ho to address claims involving the expenditure of GH₵49.72 million for the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa during a period of xenophobic attacks. The chairmen asserted that the operation was a necessary fulfillment of the government's duty to protect its citizens abroad.

Mr. Agbavitor specifically cautioned against misinterpreting clerical errors as evidence of financial misconduct. While acknowledging that public expenditure must remain under scrutiny, he emphasized the need for independent verification regarding discrepancies in beneficiary records before calls for resignation are made. The party leadership argued that the Minister’s contributions to Ghana's diplomatic relations should not be overshadowed by unverified claims. They further highlighted that the Foreign Affairs Ministry has already taken proactive steps by forming an investigative committee and cancelling several passports linked to allegations of irregular administration of service and diplomatic documents.

In a broader call for accountability, the NDC regional chairs urged Attorney General Dr. Dominic Ayine to expedite investigations into corruption allegations involving officials from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. They criticized the Minority in Parliament for what they described as the politicization of state investigations, challenging the NPP to provide credible evidence rather than making claims that could damage the international reputation of Ghana's travel documents. The chairmen concluded by stating that while no public official should be exempt from accountability, the current scrutiny must be conducted with fairness and due process, free from undue political pressure.