Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has dismissed suggestions of personal interest in the Minority’s scrutiny of government expenditure on the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa, insisting that the exercise forms part of his parliamentary oversight responsibilities.
Speaking to Isaac Addae on Morning Starr on Starr FM, he said the Minority’s decision to examine the evacuation expenditure was driven by its responsibility to scrutinise the decisions and activities of the government and protect the public interest.
He maintained that the Minority supports the evacuation exercise but believes the financial records must be properly examined to ensure transparency and accountability.
“There is no special interest. There is no curiosity here. It is just what you pay me for. That is what we are doing,” Mr Ayeh said.
He explained that the Minority intends to compile a report on its findings and submit it to the ministry, together with relevant documents, to facilitate further examination of the expenditure.
According to him, the caucus also intends to push for an audit to establish whether the figures presented by the government align with the actual payments made during the exercise.
READ: South Africa evacuation: We’re not alleging a crime, we want clearer accounts – Ayeh
Mr Ayeh stressed that the Minority was not accusing any official of criminal wrongdoing but was seeking clearer information to address discrepancies identified in the payment records.
“We are not saying at this stage that there has been a crime. We are saying that this information does not add up for us, so provide better accounting or better information on these numbers,” he stated.
Mr Ayeh said the audit process would allow the relevant authorities to explain the figures, provide supporting evidence and address any concerns before conclusions are reached.
He further defended the Minority’s scrutiny of the ministry, arguing that the opposition has a responsibility to examine government decisions regardless of whether it agrees with the policies being implemented.
“The minister reserves the right to take whatever decisions he wants to take. We equally reserve the right to look at the decisions the minister is taking,” he said.
READ: Aboabo Market: Traders won’t be evicted after redevelopment – Mahama Ayariga
Mr Ayeh reiterated that the Minority’s support for the evacuation did not exempt the government from accounting for the public funds used in the exercise, adding that proper scrutiny was necessary to maintain public confidence in the public service.
Story By Pamela Quayson
