Hon.Ablakwa Alleges GH₵60 Million Transfer to Presidency for “Special Operations” 

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Chairperson of the Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Team and the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has publicly alleged the transfer of a substantial sum of GH₵60 million to the Office of the President for “special operations,” just days before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s tenure. Ablakwa has expressed serious concern over this transaction, describing it as a worrying display of fiscal recklessness. He alleges that this transfer was made on December 23, 2024, at 4:38 PM, based on what he claims is “unimpeachable tracking.” Ablakwa’s claims raise significant questions about transparency and financial accountability in the final days of the Akufo-Addo administration.

Ablakwa made his allegations via a post on Facebook, where he accused the outgoing government, led by President Akufo-Addo, of prioritizing questionable expenditures over crucial financial obligations. He raised serious concerns about the rationale behind such a substantial transfer of funds to the presidency for “special operations,” especially when the administration is on the verge of handing over power. In his post, he asked: “Why has a colossal GH₵60million 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 went on to question why these supposed “Special Operations” were being prioritized over addressing pressing financial arrears. These arrears, he said, were owed to crucial institutions, such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS), the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), the Free Senior High School Secretariat, Independent Power Producers (IPPs), and the Nation Builders Corps (NaBCo) amongst others. Ablakwa’s comments suggest a disregard for essential services and obligations, while large sums are being allocated to opaque “special operations.” He stated, “Profligate President Akufo-Addo must explain to Ghanaians why his ‘Special Operations’ in the death of his tenure should be prioritised over crippling arrears at WAEC, CHASS, CETAG, Free SHS Secretariat, IPPs, NaBCo etc,” highlighting what he perceives to be misplaced priorities.

The lawmaker further accused the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of attempting to “empty the national coffers” ahead of the transition to the incoming Mahama-led government. This accusation suggests a deliberate attempt to deplete public funds, creating a challenging financial landscape for the incoming administration. Ablakwa highlighted the need for greater legislative controls on expenditure during transitions. He stated, “Ghana needs to urgently consider new legislation on controlling ostentatious expenditure, fresh dubious contracts, and mass recruitments during transitions,” calling for immediate action to address these loopholes in the current legal framework.

Ablakwa’s allegations paint a worrying picture of potentially irresponsible spending practices by the outgoing government. His public pronouncements are likely to ignite a national discussion on financial transparency, and the need for greater accountability. The claim of a GH₵60 million transfer for “special operations” has created a cloud of suspicion and calls for greater oversight in the management of public funds, especially during periods of political transition.