'NPP has become group of flip-floppers' – Edem Agbana on South Africa evacuation claims

Member of Parliament for Ketu North Edem Agbana

Member of Parliament for Ketu North Edem Agbana has accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of repeatedly changing its claims about the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, alleging that the inconsistencies are part of an effort to discredit Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Speaking on TV3’s New Day, hosted by Roland Walker, Mr Agbana said the Minority had presented different figures regarding the number of evacuees it believed could be accounted for.

He acknowledged the importance of public accountability but argued that the NPP’s approach had turned the issue into a political campaign against the Foreign Affairs Minister.

“The NPP, just like any group of persons, has the right to demand accountability from public officers. Indeed, the democracy that we all seek to protect can only thrive when accountability becomes the bedrock of our democracy,” he said.

“There is a fundamental difference between demanding accountability in the public interest and a calculated smear campaign. And that is what the NPP is engaging in,” Agbana stated.

The MP recalled that the Minority initially claimed that records could account for only 824 of the 1,964 Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa. He said the caucus subsequently used the difference of 1,140 people to allege that the state had incurred a financial loss of GH¢6.2 million.

He questioned the basis for the latest figures being cited by the Minority, arguing that the change raised concerns about the consistency of its allegations.

“Initially, you said 824 out of the 1,964 is all that could be accounted for. Was that not the position of the Minority? So today, where is the 1,500 coming from?” he asked.

Agbana argued that the shifting figures weakened the credibility of the accusations against Ablakwa. He further alleged that the NPP had repeatedly changed its position whenever aspects of its claims were challenged.

He also questioned the grounds for the Minority’s demand for Ablakwa’s resignation, recalling that the caucus had previously indicated that it was not accusing the minister of wrongdoing.

“Some two weeks ago, they said that Ablakwa had done nothing wrong. Yesterday, on what grounds were they demanding his resignation?” he asked.

The Ketu North MP maintained that public officials must be held accountable but stressed that such demands should be based on credible evidence and consistent allegations.

“If you want to demand accountability, do it intelligently and diligently,” Agbana said.