The Minister of Foreign Affairs-designate, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has hit back at the New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of launching baseless attacks and spreading falsehoods in an attempt to tarnish his reputation.
In a statement posted on his X page on Monday, February 3, 2025, Ablakwa criticised the NPP for missing their chance to challenge him during his vetting process.
“They had every opportunity when I appeared before them for vetting, but they chose to ran away. They had every opportunity when they were in power for 8 years to have me prosecuted but they failed because there was nothing they could find. Now they have resorted to desperate smear press conferences and infantile fabrications. If they want a second round of vetting, I am ready for them,” he indicated.
The Member of Parliament of North Tongu defended his actions as a legislator, stating that he has always acted in the interest of safeguarding public funds and state properties, which aligns with his parliamentary oversight duties.
He stressed that standing up for accountability and transparency should not be misconstrued as wrongdoing.
“It is not a crime for a Member of Parliament to patriotically and diligently seek the protection of public resources and state assets pursuant to our constitutional mandate of oversight. Those on the side of truth and justice can never be intimidated,” he added.
He reaffirmed his focus on advancing President John Dramani Mahama’s initiatives at the ministry, pointing out the reforms he is poised to implement.
“I am fully committed to supporting president Mahama’s transformative policies at the Foreign ministry,” he stated.
During his vetting by the Appointments Committee of Parliament, he stated that he has been residing in a rented apartment at Airport Hills in Accra for the past eight years.
His admission has since drawn criticisms from the Minority.
Read his post below:
They had every opportunity when I appeared before them for vetting but they chose to ran away.
They had every opportunity when they were in power for 8 years to have me prosecuted but they failed because there was nothing they could find.
Now they have resorted to desperate… pic.twitter.com/FnZI4w4PQs
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) February 3, 2025
JKB/AE
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