Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has strongly criticized the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration over the transfer of GHS60 million to the Office of the President for “Special Operations” just days before the handover of power. The transfer occurred on December 23, 2024, at 4:38 PM, and Ablakwa called it extravagant and misdirected, considering Ghana’s outstanding financial obligations to crucial sectors.
In a post, Ablakwa questioned the rationale behind such a large transfer with only days remaining in President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. “Why has a colossal GHS60 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?” he asked.
The MP expressed outrage that this significant amount was allocated to discretionary spending while key institutions, such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), are struggling with unpaid arrears. Ablakwa criticized the allocation, stating, “Profligate President Akufo-Addo must explain to Ghanaians why his ‘Special Operations’ in the final days of his tenure should take precedence over crippling arrears at WAEC, CHASS, CETAG, Free SHS Secretariat, IPPs, NaBCo, and others.”
WAEC, which plays a vital role in the administration of national exams, is among the entities affected by unpaid debts. Additionally, the Free Senior High School Secretariat and the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) have warned that schools may not reopen in January unless the arrears are addressed.
Ablakwa accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of attempting to deplete national resources before the incoming Mahama government takes over. “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,” he added.
The MP further called for urgent reforms to prevent financial mismanagement during political transitions. He suggested, “Ghana needs to urgently consider new legislation on controlling ostentatious expenditure, fresh dubious contracts, and mass recruitments during transitions.”
