The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns over a transaction paid to the Office of the President just a few days before his administration is set to leave office.
According to the lawmaker, tracking of the transaction revealed that the transfer of GH¢60 million was received by the presidency on December 23, 2024, for some ‘special operations’, despite the government owing significant debts to several institutions, including WAEC, the Free SHS Secretariat, NaBCO, and others.
In a post shared on his Facebook page on December 28, 2024, Ablakwa questioned the rationale and motive behind the transactions, expressing his disgust over what he described as wasteful expenditures that harm the state’s finances.
Ablakwa further alleged an attempt by the outgoing Akufo-Addo government to deplete the national coffers and leave the incoming John Dramani Mahama administration with significant financial debts once it assumes office.
“Why has a colossal GH¢60 million been transferred to the Office of the President for so-called ‘Special Operations’ with just a few days left for President Akufo-Addo to hand over? From unimpeachable tracking, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia tax-guzzling presidency received the GHS60 million transfer on 23rd December, 2024 at 4:38 pm,” he posted.
He added, “Profligate President Akufo-Addo must explain to Ghanaians why his ‘Special Operations’ in the death of his tenure should be prioritized over crippling arrears at WAEC, CHASS, CETAG, Free SHS Secretariat, IPPs, NaBCo etc. It’s most depressing that the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government seems hell-bent on emptying the national coffers on extremely questionable and wasteful expenditures before the Mahama administration takes over. Moving forward, Ghana needs to urgently consider new legislation on controlling ostentatious expenditure, fresh dubious contracts, and mass recruitments during transitions.”
Ablakwa’s oversight comes on the back of concerns raised by the Mahama transition team regarding certain ‘last-minute’ payments made by the outgoing government.
See his post below:
MAG/MA
