NPP Supporters Hit the Streets in Accra Over Ablakwa's Handling of South Africa Evacuation Funds

Supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took to the streets of Accra on Wednesday, converging at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange to stage a demonstration dubbed 'Ye Gye Yen Sika' — loosely translated from Twi as 'We Want Our Money Back.' The protest is directed at Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, over questions surrounding funds that were reportedly allocated for the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

What the Demonstrators Are Demanding

The NPP faithful who participated in the demonstration are calling for full transparency and accountability regarding monies they claim were disbursed in connection with the repatriation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa. The demonstrators are questioning whether the funds were properly utilised and are demanding that Ablakwa provide a detailed public accounting of the expenditure.

Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the protesters made clear their position that public funds meant to protect Ghanaians in distress abroad must be properly accounted for. The choice of Tetteh Quarshie — a prominent and highly visible intersection in Accra — ensured maximum visibility for their cause.

The Background: Ghanaians in South Africa and the Evacuation Question

The demonstration comes against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about the welfare of Ghanaian migrants living in South Africa, a country that has periodically experienced outbreaks of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals, including Ghanaians. Over the years, successive Ghanaian governments have been called upon to intervene and, where necessary, facilitate the return of citizens caught in dangerous situations.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry, now under Ablakwa following the National Democratic Congress's return to power after the December 2024 elections, has oversight responsibility for consular services and the welfare of Ghanaians abroad. Any funds channelled through the ministry for evacuation or repatriation exercises fall squarely within the scope of public accountability that citizens and opposition groups are entitled to scrutinise.

Ablakwa, a vocal advocate for accountability during his time in opposition, now finds himself on the receiving end of similar demands — a turn of events that opposition supporters and some political observers have not failed to note.

Why It Matters for Ghana

The 'Ye Gye Yen Sika' demonstration touches on a broader issue that resonates deeply with Ghanaians: the accountability of public officials when it comes to funds meant to protect citizens, particularly those in vulnerable situations abroad. Ghana has a significant diaspora population spread across Africa, Europe, and beyond, and the question of how the government responds when those citizens face danger is one that cuts across partisan lines.

From a political standpoint, the protest also signals that the NPP, now in opposition, intends to hold the new NDC administration to the same standards of transparency that the NDC championed while in opposition. This dynamic could intensify scrutiny on the Foreign Affairs Ministry as it manages Ghana's international obligations.

• The demonstration puts pressure on Minister Ablakwa to publicly account for evacuation-related expenditure.
• It reflects growing public expectations around transparency in the management of consular and diaspora welfare funds.
• The protest marks an early sign of how the NPP plans to engage as an opposition force under the new administration.

As of the time of this report, there had been no official response from the Foreign Affairs Ministry regarding the specific financial concerns raised by the demonstrators. GH Today will continue to follow developments on this story.