Accra: NPP protesters demand accountability over South Africa evacuation funds

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) staged a large-scale demonstration in Accra, dubbed the “Yɛgye Yɛ Sika” protest, to demand transparency regarding the expenditure used to evacuate Ghanaians from South Africa. Protesters, led by the NPP youth wing, are calling for the dismissal and prosecution of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa over alleged financial mismanagement.

The opposition party is questioning the reported GH¢49.7 million cost of the operation, specifically alleging a discrepancy of GH¢16.4 million. They have demanded the publication of flight contracts, invoices, passenger manifests, and proof of payment for chartered flights. The NPP also raised concerns regarding the issuance of diplomatic and service passports, alleging irregularities in how these documents were granted to certain individuals.

In response to the protest, the Presidency stated it would not treat the NPP’s allegations as sacrosanct and would wait for formal investigations to conclude. The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed the protests as a “fishing expedition” intended to discredit Minister Ablakwa for his previous anti-corruption efforts. The NPP has given President John Dramani Mahama 14 days to address their demands or face nationwide demonstrations.