Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Samuel Jinapor has called on government to fully account for the recent evacuation exercise from South Africa, insisting accountability must go beyond total amount spent to include how expenditure was incurred. He spoke in Accra following questions over cost, procurement and welfare arrangements for Ghanaian nationals evacuated during heightened xenophobic tensions and related security risks.
The former Lands and Natural Resources Minister said Parliament requires a detailed breakdown covering flight charters, accommodation, feeding, medical screening and consular logistics to determine value for money and compliance with the Public Financial Management Act. He argued that evacuation operations, while humanitarian, remain public spending subject to audit scrutiny, competitive procurement where applicable and parliamentary oversight through the Foreign Affairs Committee.
Jinapor said transparency in the South Africa evacuation will set precedent for future emergency responses involving Ghanaians in diaspora distress, including crises in Sudan, Libya and the Middle East. According to Mr Jinapor, government must account not only for the total amount spent but also for how the expenditure was incurred, with receipts, contracts and passenger manifests made available to Parliament.
In Ghana foreign affairs architecture, evacuations are coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration through embassies, consular sections and the National Disaster Management Organization, with funding from the Consolidated Fund or emergency contingency vote. The Foreign Affairs Committee exercises oversight, summoning officials to justify expenditure, while the Auditor General reviews compliance and the Public Accounts Committee examines infractions. Evergreen procedures include verification of nationality, risk assessment, charter negotiation and post arrival reintegration support for returnees.
Stakeholders expect government to publish a comprehensive report on the South Africa evacuation detailing number of persons evacuated, cost per head, airline engaged and welfare measures at reception centres. The Minority says full disclosure will enhance trust in diaspora protection commitments, prevent inflated contracting and strengthen Ghana standing in protecting citizens abroad under Article 40 of the Constitution and Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.
Source: #Howedey.com
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Author: Korkor Anumu
