Thousands of supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) marched through parts of Accra in a demonstration dubbed “Yɛgye Yɛ Sika”, demanding accountability over the GH¢49.7 million reportedly spent by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.
The demonstrators, led by the party’s youth wing, called for the dismissal of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and investigations into the expenditure, which they allege was inflated and inadequately accounted for.
The protesters also raised concerns about the issuance of diplomatic and service passports, demanding greater transparency and investigations into alleged irregularities.
The demonstration, which attracted supporters dressed predominantly in red and black, began at Villaggio, near the Tetteh Quarshie Interchange, proceeded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ended at Jubilee House, where the organisers presented a petition to President John Dramani Mahama.
Chanting “Yɛgye yɛ sika”, meaning “We want our money”, the protesters carried placards demanding accountability and action against public officials found responsible for any wrongdoing.
The march was peaceful, with personnel of the Ghana Police Service providing security along the designated route.
NPP Gives Mahama 14-Day Ultimatum
Presenting the petition, the NPP National Youth Organiser, Abanga Fusani Yakubu, said the demonstration reflected concerns about the management of public funds and the need for greater accountability in government expenditure.
He gave President Mahama 14 days to respond to the demands, warning that the party would organise another demonstration if no action was taken.
“We are giving President Mahama 14 days to act, else we will stage another demonstration,” he declared.
The petition called on the President to dismiss Mr Ablakwa and direct the Attorney-General and the Office of the Special Prosecutor to investigate the evacuation expenditure and prosecute any official found culpable.
The demonstrators also demanded the publication of invoices, contracts and proof of payment relating to the charter flights used for the evacuation.
Additionally, they called for the release of passenger and beneficiary lists, as well as an independent audit of the expenditure to establish how the funds were utilised.
Copies of the petition were addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, the Attorney-General, the Special Prosecutor and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.
GH¢49.7 Million Evacuation Expenditure Questioned
At the centre of the demonstration is the GH¢49.7 million which the Foreign Affairs Ministry says was spent evacuating 1,964 Ghanaians from South Africa.
The Minority in Parliament has questioned more than GH¢16.4 million of the expenditure, while the NPP has challenged both the reported cost of the operation and the number of beneficiaries.
According to the party, documents released by the Minister indicate that each of the three charter flights cost US$750,000.
The NPP argues that the amount was excessive, claiming that comparable charter services should not have exceeded US$300,000 per flight.
It further alleges that invoices and contracts supporting approximately GH¢27 million in charter-flight expenditure have not been adequately provided.
The party has also disputed the Ministry’s figure of 1,964 evacuees, claiming that the three flights transported approximately 900 people.
However, Mr Ablakwa has rejected allegations of financial impropriety, maintaining that no money is missing from the evacuation expenditure.
He has also insisted that the relevant supporting documents and signed records are available to account for the operation.
The competing claims have intensified demands for the publication of detailed expenditure records and an independent examination of the evacuation exercise.
Diplomatic Passport Issuance Under Scrutiny
Beyond the evacuation expenditure, the protesters demanded a comprehensive review of diplomatic and service passports issued since January 2025.
The NPP called for the publication of details of the beneficiaries and the cancellation of any passports established to have been issued improperly.
The party argues that greater disclosure is necessary to ensure accountability in the administration of official travel documents.
However, the allegations of irregularities in passport issuance have not been established.
Protesters Threaten Further Action
The NPP youth wing has indicated that the demonstration could be followed by further protests if the government fails to address its demands within the stipulated 14 days.
Mr Yakubu said the party would closely monitor the President’s response and determine its next course of action.
“This is not the end. It is the beginning,” he said.
The demonstration has brought renewed attention to the dispute over the evacuation expenditure, with the protesters demanding independent scrutiny of the government’s account and action against any officials found culpable.
