Hon.Okudzeto Ablakwa Defends Wealth, Challenges Critics Amidst Airport Hills Rent Controversy

The appointment of Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, as Minister-Designate for Foreign Affairs has ignited a political firestorm, with the nominee facing intense scrutiny during his recent vetting. This detailed analysis explores the key events, allegations, and Hon. Ablakwa’s robust response, shedding light on the complexities of the situation.

Vetting and Allegations:

Hon. Ablakwa, a prominent figure known for his role as Chairman of “Operation Recover All Loot” (ORAL), appeared before the vetting committee on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as part of the appointment process by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. The session took a contentious turn when the Minority Leader, Hon. Afenyo Markin, directly questioned the Minister-Designate about his personal wealth. Markin zeroed in on Ablakwa’s reported astronomical rent for a house in the affluent Airport Hills neighborhood in Accra, raising questions about the source of such substantial funds. This line of questioning quickly escalated, turning a routine vetting into a heated public debate about the integrity of public officials and their financial dealings.

Ablakwa’s Rebuttal:

In response to these criticisms, Hon. Ablakwa took to his Facebook page to issue a strongly worded statement, unequivocally denying any wrongdoing. He dismissed his critics’ actions as desperate and fabricated attempts to tarnish his image, emphasizing that his detractors had ample opportunity to investigate him in the past. “They had every opportunity when I appeared before them for vetting, but they chose to ran away,” Ablakwa stated, implying that the committee members deliberately avoided a direct confrontation or formal inquiry. He further pointed out that the current government had had the chance to prosecute him during their eight years in power, yet had failed to do so due to a lack of any legitimate evidence. “Now they have resorted to desperate smear press conferences and infantile fabrications,” he added, clearly labeling the current attacks as politically motivated and devoid of any substantial basis.

Offer for a Second Vetting:

Ablakwa challenged his critics’ accusations by openly welcoming a second round of vetting, stating that “If they want a second round of vetting, I am ready for them.” This bold stance not only expresses confidence in his own integrity but also demonstrates a willingness to be held accountable. He further defended his actions as a Member of Parliament, stating, “It is not a crime for a Member of Parliament to patriotically and diligently seek the protection of public resources and state assets pursuant to our constitutional mandate of oversight.” Ablakwa argued that his involvement in initiatives like Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) are aligned with his duties to safeguard public funds and serve as a check on governmental overreach.

Ablakwa concludes his rebuttal by asserting that he will not be deterred or intimidated. He pledges to remain focused on President Mahama’s “exciting reset innovations” that are set to be implemented at the Foreign Ministry. He ended his address with a determined statement that he was committed to serving his country and would not allow “infantile” attacks to distract him from achieving his goals.

This episode is far more than just a vetting process; it represents a clash between political ideologies and approaches to governance. It highlights the importance of financial transparency and accountability for those who hold public office, while also pointing out the dangers of political opportunism through unsubstantiated accusations. Hon. Ablakwa’s defense and challenge for a second round of vetting will likely set the tone for future vetting processes, as it tests the bounds of parliamentary scrutiny. This matter is certainly one that will continue to unfold and will be closely followed by the Ghanaian public.