A Member of Parliament has formally invoked Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) law to demand a comprehensive account of public funds spent on the recent evacuation of more than 1,600 Ghanaians from South Africa. Hon. Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, MP for Bosome-Freho, submitted an RTI application on August 17, 2026, seeking detailed financial and procurement information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This action follows the Ministry's statement that the operation was fully funded by the Ghanaian government and private partners.
The MP's request aims to uncover the exact costs and financing mechanisms behind the repatriation exercise. He argues that critical information regarding the operation's expenses and funding remains undisclosed, despite public announcements. The evacuation became necessary due to outbreaks of xenophobic violence in South Africa, prompting a significant government response to bring citizens home.
This demand for transparency fits into a broader narrative of increasing public scrutiny over government expenditure in Ghana. With the nation facing economic pressures, including high public debt and the need for fiscal consolidation, accountability for how public funds are utilized is paramount. Previous instances of large-scale government spending have often drawn criticism for a lack of detailed financial disclosure, making this RTI request a significant development in public finance oversight.
Hon. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, who also serves as Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, emphasized the need for clarity. He stated that the public deserves to know how much was spent, by whom, and through what processes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously issued a statement on August 13, confirming that the Ghanaian government, in partnership with private “Ghanaian partners,” fully funded the evacuation without South African government assistance.
The implications of this RTI request are substantial for government accountability and public trust. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is now formally on notice that the financial management of the evacuation exercise is subject to intense scrutiny. This could lead to greater transparency in future government operations and potentially influence public procurement practices. Decision-makers and the public will be watching closely for the Ministry's response and the information it provides.
Specifically, Hon. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh is demanding a complete breakdown of expenditure in both Ghana cedis and US dollars. This includes costs for chartered flights, commercial air tickets, ground transportation, accommodation, and consular services. He also seeks details on staff-related expenses and reintegration packages provided to the returnees.
The MP's request extends to copies of relevant payment vouchers, contracts, invoices, and receipts to substantiate all reported expenditures. On the funding side, he wants the Ministry to identify the specific public accounts used, such as the Contingency Fund, Consolidated Fund, or existing Ministry allocations. Corresponding release warrants from the Ministry of Finance are also being sought to verify the source and authorization of funds.
Furthermore, the RTI request aims to identify the private entities described as “Ghanaian partners” by the Ministry. The MP seeks details of their financial or in-kind contributions, the accounts into which any funds were deposited, and whether these partners are expected to benefit from tax exemptions, government contracts, or other preferential treatment. This aspect of the request highlights concerns about potential conflicts of interest or undue influence in public-private partnerships.
The MP is also asking for a complete schedule of evacuation flights, including the service providers involved, the number of passengers transported, and the cost of each rotation. Crucially, he wants clarification on the procurement methods used for each contract, specifically whether competitive tendering, single-source procurement, or emergency procurement procedures were followed. This focus on procurement aims to ensure fairness and value for money in public contracting.
The RTI application also scrutinizes the reintegration and relief component of the exercise. Hon. Asafo-Adjei Ayeh has requested details on amounts paid to evacuees for transportation and reintegration, the eligibility criteria for receiving such support, and a detailed breakdown of the cost of relief items distributed. The MP has asked for the information electronically within the statutory timeframe and indicated willingness to pay any legally prescribed reproduction fees. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally acknowledged receipt of the application, setting the stage for a significant transparency exercise.