The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested a special audit into government-funded emergency evacuations carried out since 2017, amid growing scrutiny over how public funds have been used.
The review will cover major evacuation exercises involving Ghanaians in COVID-19, Ukraine, Sudan and South Africa, with the Auditor-General expected to examine the financial and administrative arrangements for each operation.
The latest development follows questions surrounding the GH¢49.72 million spent on bringing Ghanaians back from South Africa following security concerns and reported xenophobic attacks. Government documents show that GH¢27.18 million of that amount went into chartered flights, while other funds covered tickets, allowances, transportation, feeding and accommodation.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry says the broader audit is intended to strengthen transparency and accountability while identifying lessons that could improve Ghana’s preparedness for future emergencies involving citizens abroad. The Ministry has also assured the Auditor-General that it will provide the necessary financial and administrative records for the exercise.
Source: GhanaNsem
