Francis Gborglah, Director of Information at the Public Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry, has denied allegations of financial impropriety over the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa.
The Foreign Ministry argued that its books are open, stressing that the ministry is not going to hide from accountability.
Francis Gborglah boldly highlighted that the Foreign Ministry still stand on its feet that, in regard to the information they had already put out there about the whole exercise and its expenditure, insisting that everything was done right.
He stressed that the Ministry operates with high integrity under the sector minister and welcomes scrutiny from state auditors.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio’s news programme Nyankonton Mu Nsem, Francis Gborglah stated: “Let me assure you that as far as the Ministry is concerned, we uphold the highest level of integrity. We hold the Minister in high esteem, and in all our dealings, we look up to him”.
“There is nothing we are running away from as far as accountability is concerned. We want to assure Ghanaians that there are no wrongdoing or corruption-related activities attached to this exercise.”
“We still stand on our feet that, as to the information we have already put out there about the whole exercise and its expenditure, everything was done right. That is why the Minister invited the Auditor-General’s Department to audit us. Our books are open, and we are not going to hide from accountability,” he added.
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are pressing for a forensic audit into the operation, alleging that several evacuees did not receive their full allowances as scheduled, while others reported missing out on transportation stipends.
Also, the NPP Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced plans to initiate a vote of censure against Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
According to the Minority, should Ablakwa remain in office over the alleged scandal involving the evacuation exercise conducted some months ago, they will consider initiating a parliamentary process for a vote of censure under Article 82 of the Constitution.
The Minority stressed that the move was necessary to ensure accountability and uphold the integrity of public office.
Speaking during a press conference, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor stated, “Should the minister remain in office, the minority in Parliament will consider initiating the parliamentary process for a vote of censure under Article 82 of the Constitution and Order 138 of the Standing Orders of Parliament against the Minister”.
The information garthered suggest under Article 82 of the Constitution, a motion for a vote of censure against a minister requires the support of at least two-thirds of all Members of Parliament to be passed.
Should the motion succeed, President John Mahama will be required to revoke the minister’s appointment unless the minister resigns voluntarily.
Also, the Minority called on Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to resign over the brouhaha surrounding the Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
According to the Minority, allegations that some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa received less than the GH¢5,500 support package announced by the government warrant Ablakwa’s dismissal.
The Minority urged President Mahama to sack the Foreign Affairs Minister if he fails to resign.
He further called for a comprehensive independent audit of the evacuation exercise by an internationally reputable accounting firm to establish the facts surrounding the alleged payment shortfalls.
Samuel Abdulai Jinapor stated, “Given the gravity of these revelations and in order to ensure an impartial investigation into the matter, we call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to resign immediately. His handling of this exercise has brought his high office into disrepute”.
@ghnow_ Media personality Nana Ama McBrown mounts the podium to address participants at the Content with Purpose training for bloggers and online journalists at the French Embassy. #GHNow #fyp ♬ original sound – Abama_studios🎥
@ghnow_ Media personalities Nana Ama McBrown and Saddick Adams exchange pleasantries at the Content with Purpose training event for bloggers and online journalists at the French Embassy. #GHNow #fyp ♬ Gen Z – Fameye
