Ghana's Minority caucus has formally demanded a full financial account of the government's spending on evacuating nationals from South Africa. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, the Bosome-Freho MP, filed a Right to Information (RTI) request with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He seeks detailed records for public funds used in the ongoing repatriation exercise since May 2026.
The Deputy Ranking Member for the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee wants to know the total cost. This includes both Ghana cedis and US dollars spent on the evacuation. The Ministry previously announced it fully funded the return of over 1,600 Ghanaians. These individuals were repatriated following recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The Ministry also stated it provided reintegration funds and relief items to evacuees.
This demand for transparency comes as Ghana faces ongoing fiscal pressures and a need for prudent public financial management. The government has committed significant resources to various social and economic interventions. Public scrutiny of expenditure, especially on large-scale operations, is crucial for maintaining trust. Previous instances of public spending have often led to calls for greater accountability from civil society and opposition parties.
Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh stated that the Ministry has not disclosed the actual cost of the exercise. He argues that while public resources were committed, no public record exists for the total expenditure. This lack of detail extends to how the money was spent or its original source. "The cost of the exercise is therefore not on the public record," he noted in his RTI request. He added that Parliament and taxpayers lack a basis to assess the spending.
The MP's request seeks a comprehensive breakdown of all costs. This includes air charters, commercial tickets, and ground transportation. He also wants details on accommodation in South Africa, consular services, and staff costs. Reintegration payments and relief items provided to evacuees are also part of the inquiry. Furthermore, he demands invoices, payment vouchers, receipts, and contracts related to the expenditure.
Transparency regarding funding sources is another key aspect of the request. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh wants to know how much was drawn from the Consolidated Fund or Contingency Fund. He also seeks information on the Ministry's 2026 budget allocation and any supplementary appropriations. Funds held by the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria are also under scrutiny. Details of private contributions, including names of companies and institutions, are also requested.
The MP is also demanding a schedule of every evacuation flight or rotation. This includes the date, airline, number of evacuees, and cost per flight. He wants to know whether flights were chartered or commercial. Information on the procurement method used for each service arrangement is also sought. This covers competitive tendering, restricted tendering, single-source, or emergency procurement.
A full account of reintegration support is also part of the request. This includes the amount approved and paid to each eligible evacuee. The total disbursement and the number of beneficiaries are also sought. The quantities and costs of relief items supplied to evacuees are also under review. This detailed inquiry aims to leave no stone unturned in ensuring public funds were used appropriately.
Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh emphasized that the request is in the public interest. He highlighted that the Ministry itself placed the government's funding for the evacuation on public record. "The supporting figures ought equally to be available to citizens," he asserted. He expects the Ministry to provide the information electronically within the statutory period under the Right to Information Act, 2019. This action underscores the ongoing push for greater accountability in Ghana's public sector.