Data released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa has raised questions about the accuracy of the records after several entries reportedly contained impossible dates of birth, including years 2034 and 2036.
A Joy News report on October 19, 2026, identified at least 14 names with seemingly inconsistent or impossible personal details in the data released by the ministry.
In the entries, Precious Sekyiwaa’s date of birth was recorded as October 28, 2034, while James Akoto Baffour was listed as having been born on December 26, 2036. Both dates are in the future.
Similarly, Victoria Aduakwa was recorded as having been born in 2034, while Ebenezer Losu’s year of birth appeared as 20232.
Also, other entries reportedly contained dates that do not exist on the calendar. David Botwey’s date of birth was listed as the fourth day of the 24th month in 1989, although a year has only 12 months.
The data also reportedly included an evacuee whose date of birth was recorded as February 31, 1990, despite February having a maximum of 29 days.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs data discrepancies have raised concerns about the accuracy of the information published by the ministry and the processes used to collect and verify the returnees’ personal details.
The evacuation exercise has become increasingly controversial in recent weeks, with the Minority in Parliament demanding a detailed breakdown of the number of Ghanaians brought home and the cost of the operation.
The latest questions come amid scrutiny of the reported GH¢49.7 million spent by the government on the evacuation.
The ministry’s records are likely to face further examination as calls grow for transparency over the exercise, including the accuracy of the beneficiary list and the expenditure involved.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a seven-day deadline to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to disclose detailed records of expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, threatening to pursue additional action if the documents are not provided.
The party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, announced the demand at a press briefing on Sunday, October 18, insisting that the government must account for the public funds reportedly used for the exercise.
According to the NPP, they want Ablakwa to release contracts and invoices for chartered flights, payment vouchers, signed payment records and a comprehensive list of all 1,964 evacuees, including evidence of payments made in respect of each individual.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye said the documents should be made available within seven days through the relevant Right to Information (RTI) process and to Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
The NPP is also demanding an explanation of the process used to select the charter flight operator, including whether the procurement complied with the Public Procurement Act.
Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, October 18, Miracles Aboagye stated, “Produce the complete set of documents within 7 days. Lay before the RTI requisition and Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee every charter invoice and contract, every payment voucher, every signed sheet, and the full list of 1,964 evacuees with proof of payment against each name”.
They further called on the Minister to account for the reported GH¢16 million expenditure, providing details of how the money was used and clarifying whether any portion was paid in cash or spent on purchases.
Questions have also been raised about information relating to ASKY Airlines and differences between two versions of a letter identified as CC/7. The NPP wants the discrepancies explained and confirmation of which version was presented to the Auditor-General.
The NPP is also proposing an independent audit by an internationally recognised firm. It wants the audit’s terms of reference and final findings published for public scrutiny.
Although the NPP welcomed the Auditor-General’s review of the expenditure, Mr Aboagye maintained that further accountability measures were necessary.
He warned that the party would support the Minority in Parliament to pursue the matter if the seven-day deadline passed without the requested information being provided. Possible steps include pressing for urgent parliamentary questions to the Foreign Affairs Minister.
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SA Evacuation Controversy: Foreign Affairs data shows some evacuees are yet to be born More on https://t.co/OOywVPZiqK #JoyNews #JoyFM #GhanaNews #JoyPrime #MyJoyOnline https://t.co/zVORYtT4j1
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