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Tag: Ablakwa

  • All African Games: Ablakwa blows cover on alleged GH¢604m ‘unauthorized’ operational expenditure

    All African Games: Ablakwa blows cover on alleged GH¢604m ‘unauthorized’ operational expenditure

    North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has recently brought to light concerning documents.

    These documents suggest that the government has far exceeded its approved operational expenses threshold by nearly 500% in preparation for the upcoming 13th All African Games.

    Ablakwa pointed fingers at President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the Ministry of Sports, and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Games, alleging their involvement in this excessive spending.

    His allegations raise serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the government’s financial management regarding this major sporting event.

    The three groups, he said in a February 26, 2024 post on social media, “have shockingly agreed to spend an elephantine, wrongful and unconscionable US$48 million on so-called “operational expenses” for the 13th African Games to be hosted in Ghana between the period — March 5 and 23, 2024. [Refer to intercepted documents attached.]

    “2. It must be noted that this staggering US$48 million is an entirely different amount from the mega US$195 million (GHS2.4 billion) already spent on infrastructure for the games.

    “3. At the prevailing exchange rate, US$48 million is equivalent to a colossal GHS602 million,” he added.

    Ablakwa also disclosed how the presidency organised a fundraiser in respect of the games, emphasising how the said move was untoward.

    He has since hinted that the sports minister will be hauled before parliament this week to explain the circumstances surrounding the said expenditure.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDePsDxd79I

    Read his full post below:

    PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S ELEPHANTINE, WRONGFUL, & UNCONSCIONABLE US$48MILLION (GHS602MILLION) “OPERATIONAL EXPENSES” FOR THE 13TH AFRICAN GAMES

    1. Even before the dust settles on the scandalous US$8.5 million AFCON budget brouhaha; unimpeachable, unassailable and incontrovertible intercepted documents in my possession reveal for the first time that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his appointees at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Local Organising Committee (LOC) have shockingly agreed to spend an elephantine, wrongful and unconscionable US$48 million on so-called “operational expenses” for the 13th African Games to be hosted in Ghana between March 5 and March 23, 2024. [Refer to intercepted documents attached.]

    2. It must be noted that this staggering US$48 million is an entirely different amount from the mega US$195 million (GHS2.4 billion) already spent on infrastructure for the games.

    3. At the prevailing exchange rate, US$48 million is equivalent to a colossal GHS602 million.

    4. A careful reading of the intercepted February 13, 2024, letter signed by the LOC Executive Chairman, Dr. Kwaku Ofosu-Asare, confirms that this ginormous US$48 million (GHS602 million) will be spent in less than a three week period (18 days). This translates into a 6-day weekly expenditure on “operational expenses” of a mind boggling GHS200.6 million and an even more incredible daily “operational expenses” of GHS33.4 million.

    5. It is most instructive to note that apart from the blatant profligacy and reckless wastefulness by the leader of a bankrupt, debt-distress IMF bailout country; President Akufo-Addo’s conduct is absolutely wrong because Parliament approved GHS100 million under Goods and Services and then GHS50 million for Capital Expenditure for the 2024 expenditure by the Ministry of Youth and Sports on the 13th African Games. [See page 230 of 2024 Budget as attached.]. It is therefore totally lawless and utterly repugnant for President Akufo-Addo to unilaterally vary by more than six times what Parliament has approved for non-CapEX — that is from GHS100 million to GHS602 million.

    6. The intercepted documents confirm that despite Parliament’s approval of only GHS100 million, President Akufo-Addo instructed the LOC to send out official request letters as recent as February 13, 2024, in which they defy Parliament and communicate their outlandish, unlawful and unjustifiable US$48 million (GHS602 million).

    7. It is regrettable to note that instead of President Akufo-Addo and his appointees at the Sports Ministry and LOC acknowledging Ghana’s current economic crisis and slashing their ostentatious US$48 million (GHS602 million) “operational expenses” budget, he rather proceeded to personally chair fundraising meetings on the 6th and 7th of November, 2023, at the Jubilee House with an objective of raising the US$48 million (GHS602 million). [See evidence of the President’s meetings attached].

    8. A number of top executives who have received the Akufo-Addo-inspired US$48 million (GHS602 million) shocking request letter are outraged about the quantum for a broke country and the deliberate refusal to transparently present a breakdown.

    9. Careful analysis of the entities President Akufo-Addo met during his now infamous fundraising engagements shows that the President is mainly interested in public funds either by targeting SOEs such as GNPC, Ghana Gas, BOST and GOIL; or by targeting private companies such as MacDan, Zoomlion, MODEC and Kosmos all noted for executing huge government contracts.

    10. Additionally, the President’s conduct raises fundamental ethical questions: how did the President select these companies? What promises did President Akufo-Addo make to these CEOs? How can other companies compete fairly with these “presidential companies” in any competitive bidding process, particularly considering the current single-source procurement epidemic? After these companies present their US$5million sponsorship cash to the President’s misplaced fundraising campaign, how can taxpayers be assured of value for money in the projects these entities would execute?

    11. Should GNPC, Ghana Gas, BOST and GOIL which belong to the Ghanaian people be compelled by President Akufo-Addo to sponsor his unconscionable GHS602 million 13th African Games “Operational Expenses” when these corporations could be allowed to make more meaningful investments in expanding their operations so they could create sustainable jobs for the youth and thereby help address Ghana’s acute youth unemployment?

    12. Why are these SOEs beginning to make payments due to President Akufo-Addo’s unlawful pressure when they haven’t sought Parliamentary approval? The BOST management should prepare to answer questions in Parliament for the initial US$500,000.00 (GHS6.2million) it transferred to Akufo-Addo’s LOC a few days ago.

    13. The Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by the dynamic Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson will this week seek Speaker Bagbin’s blessings to summon the Sports Minister, Mustapha Ussif on their unlawful, ostentatious and unconscionable US$48million (GHS602million) “Operational Expenses” budget, which undermines the authority of Parliament. That will be a first step in a series of constitutional actions, not ruling out the possible impeachment of President Akufo-Addo, as we are determined to make sure the President doesn’t get away with another blatant “create, loot and share” scheme.

    14. President Akufo-Addo’s unpatriotic and nation-wrecking act of approving and leading the collection of this gigantic US$48 million (GHS602 million) for so-called “Operational Expenses” for the 13th African Games deserves to be exposed and scuttled.

    15. A government denying pensioners their life savings; a government unable to house VRA spillage victims who are still living in refugee-like tents after five months; a government unable to equip our hospitals including the renal unit of KATH, the imaging departments at Korle-Bu, Ridge, 37 and our regional hospitals; a government which claims it cannot subsidize dialysis treatment and prevent our compatriots from dying; a government unable to clear billions in arrears to contractors, independent power producers, school feeding caterers, public sector workers, teacher and nursing trainees, national service personnel, DACF, NHIS, GETFund; a government unable to employ thousands of young graduates who offered nursing and PharmD and have had to stay at home for years; a government which embarrassingly owed the Black Queens for many months until recent fierce mass agitations; and a government desperately seeking an IMF bailout must not be allowed to spend US$48million (GHS602million) for an 18-day event, particularly when Parliament has generously approved GHS100million. We shall surely defeat this lootocratic scheme!

    For God and country.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: Lost ID cards, passports of victims must be replaced immediately – Ablakwa to govt

    Akosombo Dam spillage: Lost ID cards, passports of victims must be replaced immediately – Ablakwa to govt

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged the government to promptly replace all lost national identity cards, passports, and other documents for individuals affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.

    Ablakwa contends that replacing essential identity documents such as birth certificates, health insurance cards, voter ID cards, passports, and Ghana cards is crucial on humanitarian grounds to alleviate the difficulties faced by the victims.

    Addressing the Parliament on Tuesday, Ablakwa stated, “I’m calling on the government to replace thousands of lost Ghana Cards, Health Insurance Card, Voter ID Cards, Birth Certificates, and Passports for victims of far-reaching catastrophic consequences of the September 5, 2023, spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority.

    “The time has come for the relevant public institutions to carry out a special and comprehensive exercise in all affected constituencies to immediately replace these important documents.”

    He expressed gratitude to Ghanaians for their support in helping the victims overcome the situation.

    However, in response, the Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, suggested that the appeal should be directed to the relevant institutions for resolution.

    “The call should be made to the EC, National Health Insurance Authority, and others. We cannot narrow everything to the government, and we may not be getting the solution.

    “Let’s move from our offices beyond the talk on the floor of the house and move there; they are our colleagues. Let’s direct this appropriately so that we get solutions.”

  • Fourth Estate exposes NPP for cloning design to spread propaganda against Ablakwa

    Fourth Estate exposes NPP for cloning design to spread propaganda against Ablakwa

    The Fourth Estate, a reputable media organization, has exposed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly cloning its design to spread propaganda against Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa.

    The NPP’s TESCON Informant in a post on X used a graphic design with the logo “Fact Check Ghana” to dispute Ablakwa’s claims regarding inflated contracts for road projects.

    Mr Ablakwa had alleged that findings from an Audit Report on Cocoa Roads Improvement Projects showed inflation in contracts awarded for the Effutu – Abirem Agona Road and the Kyiboso – Hasowodze Bungalow Feeder Road projects.

    However, the “Fact Check Ghana” design claimed that a review of the Audit Report did not support Ablakwa’s allegations. It stated that the Auditor General did not indicate in the report that these road projects were overpriced.

    The design also refuted Ablakwa’s claims against Resource Access Limited, stating that the company was not mentioned in the audit findings for abandoning contracts, delaying execution, or over-bloating contracts as alleged.

    The Fourth Estate reacted to this use of its design, labeling it as fake and calling on TESCON Informant to stop cloning their designs.

    Also, Fact-Check Ghana has distanced itself from the report, indicating that “This is fake. We have not published any report or flyer on this.”

    The media house has entreated the public to disregard the information.

  • Ablakwa plans to convert Safe Alternative Housing Projects in Mepe, Aveyime into Nursing Training Institute

    Ablakwa plans to convert Safe Alternative Housing Projects in Mepe, Aveyime into Nursing Training Institute

    A total of 600 individuals displaced by the Akosombo Dam spillage have been relocated to a modern accommodation in Mepe and Aveyime as part of the Safe Alternative Housing Initiative.

    These individuals have a shelter thanks to the leadership of North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa who engaged some organisations and prominent individuals.

    The individuals are living in these facilities for free as they pay no rent or utilities for the next three years.

    It is the hope that in the next three years, these individuals would have resettled permanently after the spillage.

    After which, both facilities in Aveyime and Mepe will be converted into a Nursing Training Institute.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, that is his dream and he plans to leverage on the famous Battor Catholic Hospital.

    “Glad to announce that all 600 beloved occupants of our newly commissioned North Tongu MP & Partners Safe Alternative Housing Projects in Mepe & Aveyime will enjoy free rent & free utilities for the next three years. My vision is to convert both facilities into a Nursing Training Institute leveraging on the famous Battor Catholic Hospital after three years when it is hoped that all the VRA spillage victims would have been resettled permanently,” he wrote in a post on X.

  • 8 scandals exposed by Ablakwa

    8 scandals exposed by Ablakwa

    In recent times, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has been a prominent figure in exposing various scandals and controversies in Ghana.

    From issues related to government expenditure to allegations of corruption, Ablakwa has been at the forefront of bringing these matters to light.

    His efforts have sparked public debate and scrutiny, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in governance.

    This article will delve into eight scandals exposed by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, shedding light on their implications.

    Oslo Chancery Scandal

    In 2018, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa raised concerns about the cost of a 100-year-old 6-bedroom house in Oslo, which was being considered for use as Ghana’s chancery.

    Ablakwa alleged that the property was bought by a woman for US$2.9 million in 2014 and sold to an unknown buyer for US$3.5 million in August 2017. He found it surprising that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presented the same building as a purchase for US$12.2 million in 2018 to the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament.

    Initially, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs justified the cost, but later reversed its decision and started looking for alternative properties. Eventually, the government decided against purchasing the property and opted for a rented property in Oslo instead. This decision helped Ghana save over US$4.8 million.

    $48m Ascend Scandal

    In July 2023, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, lodged a petition with the World Bank regarding a project initiated by the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation. Ablakwa alleged that the contract for the project had not undergone scrutiny by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA), which he deemed a violation of regulations.

    Expressing concern over the lack of PPA oversight, Ablakwa urged the World Bank, the project’s funding source, to investigate the matter. In a tweet on Wednesday, July 12, the former Deputy Education Minister asserted that the US$48 million contract had been awarded fraudulently.

    Backing his claims with documents from the PPA, Ablakwa accused the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, of approving the US$48 million contract without PPA authorization. Minister Owusu Ekuful promptly refuted the allegation and challenged Ablakwa to produce the contract she purportedly signed.

    In response, Ablakwa provided additional details, which the minister dismissed as an attempt to shift the focus of the issue. Despite these developments, there have been no subsequent reports indicating any response from the World Bank.

    $58m National Cathedral Scandal

    In May last year, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed astonishment at the government’s utilization of funds allocated for the contentious national cathedral project.

    Ablakwa, who has been actively scrutinizing the project, disclosed in a recent Facebook post that only US$22.07 million of public funds were used for actual construction, out of the over $58 million allocated.

    Criticism has been directed at the government for allocating significant funds from the cathedral’s budget to consultancy services and other expenses.

    Ablakwa highlighted this discrepancy when the contractors, RIBADE JV, provided details to parliament on how the US$58.14 million fund was spent on the project.

    Meanwhile, he has stressed that when the time is ripe, Ken Ofori-Atta, the Finance Minister, will be made to answer for the US$58 million illegal withdrawal for the National Cathedral project.

    Gh¢187m Kitchen Scandal

    Three months later, in an investigative publication titled “Kitchen scandal,” North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed that Attorney General Godfred Dame provided three legal opinions in favor of Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko. These opinions supported claims made by Gabby’s law firm, Africa Legal Associates (ALA), seeking an amount of GH¢187 million from the government for West Blue, a company previously contracted by the John Dramani Mahama government for port services.

    Ablakwa highlighted how Gabby, who opposed the West Blue deal in 2015, later became the company’s lawyer and sought damages for the firm regarding a contract that the current government revised after coming into office. He expressed concern over the apparent double standards and betrayal, as Gabby and Godfred had strayed from the NPP’s previous opposition to the West Blue contract and now advocated strongly for it.

    Ablakwa questioned their motivation for imposing such a significant financial burden on Ghanaians and raised concerns about potential financial loss to the country. He also highlighted the involvement of Ken Ofori-Atta, who is closely linked to both the new Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance, Eva Esselba Mends, and Gabby.

    Furthermore, Ablakwa pointed out that Gabby’s 6-week ultimatum for payment of the GH¢187.3 million coincided with Ghana receiving US$603 million from the IMF in May 2023.

    $85m Heaven Scandal

    In October 2023, the Heaven Scandal, published via his social media handles on Monday, October 2, 2023, Mr Ablakwa raised alarm over what he alleges to be the sale of prime lands around the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) to a private company under shady circumstances.

    Ablakwa accused the President and the Minister for Finance of granting approval for the transaction, which was led by the Ghana Airport Company Limited (GACL), without the knowledge of parliament.

    He pointed out that the Managing Director of GACL, Mrs. Pamela Djamson-Tettey, in 2022, corresponded with the Managing Director of Heaven Builders, offering approximately 38.14 acres of land at a total cost of US$85,021,340.00.

    “In an outrageous sweetheart deal, the GACL assures Heaven Builders that they will become owners of 38.14 acres of prime airport land in the immediate environs of the Kotoka International Airport under the Airport City Phase 2 Project if they agree to carry out some dubious infrastructure such as roads and drains at a so-called cost of US$85,021,340.00.

    “It is most instructive that the offer letter does not provide any independent verification mechanism for really assessing that any claim by Heaven Builders that they have invested US$85million in infrastructure is indeed accurate,” he stated.

    The MP highlighted that the deal strangely failed to disclose how the supposed infrastructure cost was arrived at. He also found it shocking that the GACL would not be allowed to raise its own funding for the supposed development.

    Additionally, as part of the documents shared in his exposé, Mr. Ablakwa said the private company has gone ahead to make a counteroffer, demanding double the initial offer for a similar consideration.

    $250m Bank of Ghana new HQ

    In August last year, Ablakwa published new documents relating to the controversial new head office of the Bank of Ghana (BoG). The documents include correspondence between the Ministry of Finance and the central bank regarding the variation of project cost.

    The most recent of the four letters published, dated 17th January 2023, is written by the Central Tender Review Committee (CTRC) of the Ministry of Finance.

    The committee stated that issues raised in an earlier correspondence remained “unsatisfactorily addressed” by the BoG. It advised the BoG to stick to all designs at present “to avoid huge variation costs in future procurement.” The letter also confirmed that the revised scope of work had been pegged at US$222,760.55.

    Ablakwa highlighted that the current figure did not include the cost of land for the project, which he hinted was also saddled with issues.

    “It is imperative to point out that the latest variation figure of US$222.79million is without the cost of the land. The cost of land and its dubious acquisition would be the focus of another episode.

    “Contrary to claims by some NPP propagandists that the skyrocketing cost of the BoG head office project is due to general inflation and in particular, rising cost of building materials — the Central Tender Review Committee exposes those claims as false,” his post read in part.

    Construction of the edifice is ongoing and per reports, it is almost complete.

    Aisha Huang Scandal

    In September 2022, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Foreign Affairs in Parliament, disputed the claim by the Akufo-Addo government that Chinese galamsey suspect Aisha Huang had sneaked into Ghana. Ablakwa asserted that Huang had been making multiple trips to Togo and Ghana since February 2019, passing through immigration checks on all these trips.

    The controversy surrounding Aisha Huang’s departure from Ghana began when President Nana Akufo-Addo questioned whether she had been deported. Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah later clarified that Aisha Huang was repatriated by the Ghana Immigration Service.

    However, court documents filed by state prosecutors following Huang’s re-arrest and appearance in court on September 14, 2022, suggested that she had sneaked out of the country to avoid prosecution. Her lawyer, Nkrabea Effah-Dartey, vehemently dismissed these claims.

    In a Facebook post, Ablakwa stated that his investigation had proven that Aisha Huang did not sneak into Ghana but had been boldly walking through immigration authorities since 2019, contrary to the narrative that she had been deported.

    “Our irrefutable investigations reveal that Aisha Huang physically presented herself to Ghana Immigration officials at the Aflao border on February 27, 2019, and on April 28, 2019,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.

    To the lawmaker, despite changing her names and different dates of birth on her multiple passports, it is most bizarre that Aisha Huang’s biometrics did not raise alarm at the Aflao border immigration post.

    “We can state authoritatively that Aisha Huang uses at least 2 Chinese Passports for her travels. One passport bears the name Huang En with passport number: G39575625. It was issued on January 14, 2010.

    “Her other passport has the name Huang Ruixia. Its number is EE9994609. This particular Chinese passport was issued on January 14, 2019; strangely, both passports have different dates of birth,” he added.

    He continued that “In her En Huang passport (G39575625) she claims to have been born July 7, 1986, while in the Ruixia Huang passport (EE9994609) she claims to be much older having been born on November 7, 1975. We have also secured her China Identity Card which indicates she was born on November 7, 1975.”

    Meanwhile, En Huang, also known as Aisha Huang, has been jailed four-and-a-half years for engaging in illegal mining by the Accra High Court.

    Bulgarian Embassy & Nigeria HC Demolishing Scandal

    The Bulgarian Embassy in Accra, located at Kakramadu Road, Plot No. 10, East Cantonments, was partially demolished by a private developer in 2017. This action led to accusations from the Bulgarian Ambassador to Ghana and Nigeria, Yanko Yordanov, who claimed that the Ghanaian government had violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, warning of potential diplomatic repercussions.

    In response, the government initiated an inquiry into the incident, which recommended sanctions against the developer responsible for the destruction and directed them to compensate affected individuals. The developer, Jojo Hagan, reportedly took over as the Executor of the Will of Mr. Leighton and vested the property in the named beneficiaries while pursuing legal actions at the court.

    However, the inquiry found that the eviction and demolition did not adhere to due process. Mr Ablakwa called on the Lands Ministry to publish the full 149-page report on the demolition of the Bulgarian Embassy, suggesting that transparency is crucial in this matter.

    Ablakwa raised concerns about the whereabouts of Jojo Hagan, whom he considers the main culprit behind the wrongful demolition of the Bulgarian Embassy in 2017. In response to a leaked report on the controversial incident, Ablakwa suggested that the government might be attempting to conceal Hagan’s role in the demolition.

  • Bawumia’s brother unlawfully awarded GHC83.7M cocoa road contract – Ablakwa

    Bawumia’s brother unlawfully awarded GHC83.7M cocoa road contract – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has provided documents that he believes implicate Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in the violation of Ghana’s procurement laws.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, recent reports by Auditor-General, Mr. Johnson Akuamoah Asiedu, brought to Parliament shockingly reveal how a frightening 87% of cocoa road contracts since 2020 were awarded through a non-competitive process, and how there was no value for money with some of the contracts awarded at three-times the actual cost.

    “The Auditor-General depressingly discovers that under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, COCOBOD non-competitively awarded 266 contracts valued at a staggering GHS13 billion which was 9.9 times more than the GHS1.3billion it budgeted for,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

    According to him, one of the beneficiary companies is Resources Access Limited, owned by Abraham Bawumia (Bawumia’s brother) and Aneta Kaminska Bawumia who have familial ties with Vice President Bawumia.

    Public Procurement Authority (PPA) documents he shared on the X platform reveal that on July 2, 2020, Resources Access Limited was handed two lucrative single-sourced cocoa road contracts valued at a fantastic GHS83.7 million.

    The details of the two contracts are as follows: 1. Contract for upgrading of Effutu – Abrem Agona and Effutu – Sorodofo Feeder Road (21.39km – Central Region) awarded at GHS 54,262,878.84

    2. Contract for upgrading of Kyiboso Hasowodze Bungalow, Feeder Road (14.50km – Central Region) awarded at GHS29,468,546.54.

    For Mr Ablakwa, it is hypocritical on the part of Dr Bawumia to attack former President John Mahama when he is directly benefiting from “loot and share schemes.”

    “Who could ever have predicted that after Vice President Bawumia launched his scathing and vicious attacks on President John Mahama, the Bawumia family would one day be caught neck-deep directly benefiting from multiple over-priced, single-sourced, “create, loot and share schemes?” he quizzed.

    On 23rd August, 2016, then NPP Presidential Candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo put out a tweet declaring that: “the era of sole sourcing will come to an end.” Later, Dr. Bawumia followed on September 8, 2016, stating emphatically: “overpricing of contracts through the use of sole sourcing is very typical of this John Mahama NDC government.”

    He assured that Parliament is going to soon have an “explosive session” deliberating on the Auditor-General’s report.

  • Photos: Akosombo dam spillage victims – From refugee-like tents to dignity

    Photos: Akosombo dam spillage victims – From refugee-like tents to dignity

    Another set of 300 individuals displaced by the Akosombo Dam spillage have been relocated to a modern accommodation in Mepe as part of the Safe Alternative Housing Initiative.

    In December 2023, approximately 300 individuals were relocated to fully-furnished quarters.

    The spilling of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Hydro Dams commenced on September 15 due to rising water levels. Several weeks into the spillage, numerous residents in the Lower Volta Basin suffered the loss of their homes and farmlands due to the resultant floods. A total of nine districts were affected by this event.

    Heartbreaking stories emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation was particularly severe. Communities such as Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo found themselves submerged under water. According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), over 26,000 people were displaced and left homeless.

    Now, these individuals have a shelter thanks to the leadership of North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

  • Akufo-Addo said National Cathedral will be commissioned this year – Ablakwa reminds Ghanaians

    Akufo-Addo said National Cathedral will be commissioned this year – Ablakwa reminds Ghanaians

    The Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency in the Volta region, has reminded Ghanaians of Akufo-Addo‘s commitment to commission the National Cathedral on March 6, 2024.

    As we approach the specified date in 2024, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized that the project, promised to both Ghanaians and the Almighty God, remains abandoned.

    He attributed the delays and challenges to a significant diversion that occurred during the course of the project.

    According to Hon. Ablakwa, the government initially assured the public that no taxpayer funds would be utilized.

    However, he expresses disappointment as approximately GHC 339 million of taxpayers’ money was eventually used.

    He criticized the government’s failure to adhere to its commitment of making the project a private initiative led by churches and the President’s personal donations.

    “They said that this will be a private initiative led by the churches and the President’s personal donations only for a discovery to be made by me” he said.

    The MP proceeds to disclose names of individuals whom he alleges took substantial amounts from the project funds.

    He commended clergy members who resigned from the cathedral board, acknowledging their foresight in recognizing issues early on.

  • Court grants GHS100k bail to 2 individuals allegedly impersonating Ablakwa

    Court grants GHS100k bail to 2 individuals allegedly impersonating Ablakwa

    Two individuals, accused of impersonating Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have been granted GHc100,000 bail after pleading not guilty to six counts of allegedly defrauding unsuspecting Ghanaians.

    Promise Ahorgah, a phone repairer, and Kwaotse Mawuli, a building construction laborer, are accused of creating social media accounts in the MP’s name to solicit funds for victims affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dam Spillage.

    In court on February 14, 2024, the accused, represented by lawyer Simon Animley, requested bail, which was opposed by Assistant State Attorney Derek Ackah Nyamekye. Despite the opposition, Justice Lydia Osei Marfo granted bail in the sum of GHc50,000 each with a surety, to be justified.

    As part of their bail conditions, the accused must report to the case investigator every Friday in two weeks, and both the accused and their sureties are required to deposit their Ghana Cards with the court registry.

    The individuals were arrested on December 13 and were remanded into the custody of the National Signals Bureau during further investigation.

    The charges include two counts each of defrauding by false pretenses, charlatanic advertisement, and falsely pretending to be a public officer.

    “Holding themselves out as the complainant and causing the general public to wrongly believe they were the complainant, the 1st and 2nd accused persons published the fake and deceitful flyers on social media platforms requesting the general public to make cash donations into their mobile phone numbers 0535623416 and 0535364971 respectively, which each of the accused persons had stated on the fake and deceitful flyers,” the Prosecution.

    “Through their acts of personation and publication of deceitful advertisement with the intent to defraud, the 1s and 2nd accused persons succeeded in causing members of the public to send to them sums of money,” the Court was told.

    According to the prosecution, the accused modified the complainant’s flyer on Facebook, inserting their phone numbers and posing as the MP to deceive the public into making cash donations.

    The accused admitted to the offenses during interrogation, and the investigation is ongoing.

    “Both 1st and 2nd accused persons admitted to the offences when interrogated. Investigation is still ongoing,” the Prosecution said.

  • A belated reshuffle after the ship has sunk – Ablakwa on new ministerial appointment

    A belated reshuffle after the ship has sunk – Ablakwa on new ministerial appointment


    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed confidence that the recent reshuffle in the Akufo-Addo administration will not bring about the desired changes, stating firmly that “the ship has already gone under.”

    As part of this reshuffle, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, was relieved of his duties and replaced by Karaga MP Mohammed Amin. Other notable figures, including the Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and the Greater Accra Regional Minister Henry Quartey, have also been removed from their positions.

    In a statement on platform X, Mr. Ablakwa expressed his belief that these changes will bring about no substantial alterations in the political landscape over the next nine months.

    “A belated reshuffle after the ship has sunk and after the horses have bolted. Obviously, nothing will change in the next 9 months,” he added.

    Furthermore, he indicated that Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta will face accountability for his decisions if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerges victorious in the upcoming general elections.

    Mr Ablakwa emphasized that, when the right moment arises, Ken Ofori-Atta will be held responsible for the unauthorized withdrawal of US$58 million for the National Cathedral project.

    “A belated reshuffle after the ship has sunk and after the horses have bolted. Obviously, nothing will change in the next 9 months.

    “As for Ken Ofori-Atta — at the right time he will answer for his US$58million illegal withdrawal for Akufo-Addo’s scandalous US$450million cathedral, the US$100million dubious SML contract & all the other atrocities.

    “The day of reckoning is coming,” Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said.

  • Ghana football is in a mess and we cannot accept this – Ablakwa endorses #SaveGhanafootball demo

    Ghana football is in a mess and we cannot accept this – Ablakwa endorses #SaveGhanafootball demo

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described the current state of Ghana Football as a “mess” and expressed full support for the “SaveGhanaFootball” demonstration currently underway.

    The protest aims to raise awareness and push for structural reforms in football. Hundreds of people gathered at Obra Spot at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and are marching to the Ghana Football Association headquarters and Parliament to submit a petition.

    Speaking on the AM show, Mr Ablakwa echoed the sentiments of football enthusiasts regarding the demonstration.

    “I am in full support. I wanted to join them earlier but they said they will present a petition to Parliament so I will join the Speaker to receive the petition.

    “Remember that I intercepted the document, the $8.5m budget [Black Stars AFCON budget]. If you see how much is going into football and yet we don’t have even FIFA standard pitches, no sports policy, Ghana football is in a mess and we cannot accept this. I fully endorse the SaveGhanaFootball demonstration.”

    Mr Ablakwa had clashed with the Sports Ministry and leaders governing football on the whopping $8.5m amount budgeted for the Black Stars at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The team exited the tournament, having picked up two points from a possible nine.

  • Ablakwa to relocate 300 more Akosombo dam spillage victims to fully furnished buildings

    Ablakwa to relocate 300 more Akosombo dam spillage victims to fully furnished buildings

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has indicated that on Saturday, February 10, another set of 300 individuals displaced by the Akosombo Dam spillage will be relocated to a modern accommodation in Mepe as part of Safe Alternative Housing Initiative.

    In December 2023, approximately 300 individuals were relocated to fully-furnished quarters.

    The second batch mostly comprises the aged and the physically challenged. According to Mr Ablakwa in post on X, Tuesday, February 6, noted that the completed houses are disability-friendly.

    “Accommodation and utilities would be free,” he added.

    The project was undertaken by Construction Ambassadors of the First Sky Group for the building. On October 24, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, cut sod for the construction of a First Sky Group housing project to relocate 12,000 individuals in the constituency who have been displaced owing to flooding by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.

    The relocation comes after the affected group had been residing temporarily at St. Kizito SHS.

    The newly built facilities will be commissioned on February 10, and the special guest is former President John Mahama.

    The spilling of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Hydro Dams commenced on September 15 due to rising water levels. Several weeks into the spillage, numerous residents in the Lower Volta Basin suffered the loss of their homes and farmlands due to the resultant floods. A total of nine districts were affected by this event.

    Heartbreaking stories emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation was particularly severe. Communities such as Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo found themselves submerged under water. According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), over 26,000 people were displaced and left homeless.

    In response, various institutions and individuals stepped forward to provide relief items to the affected residents. Prominent political figures, including President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahama Bawumia, visited the impacted communities. Both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership and the Minority caucus extended their assistance to the flood victims.

    “The Volta River Authority (VRA) wishes to inform the public, particularly residents living along the Lower Volta River and its environs that the controlled spillage from the Akosombo dam, which began on September 15, 2023, has ended,” the statement said.

    Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that an amount of GHC220 million has been allocated by the government to support the many families and communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.

    He made this known when he presented the 2024 budget statement in Parliament.

  • Photos: Ablakwa prepares banku for residents displaced by Akosombo dam spillage

    Photos: Ablakwa prepares banku for residents displaced by Akosombo dam spillage

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, continues to offer his services to some residents in the Volta Region who have been rendered homeless due to the spillage of the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

    Since the unfortunate incident in October last year, Mr Ablakwa has been providing financial assistances and partnering organisations to offer shelter to the victims.

    This time around, Mr Ablakwa exhibited his culinary skills. He was found preparing banku, a local dish in Ghana. In a number of photos shared, the MP while using the wooden spatula, stirred the corn and cassava dough.

    In October 2023, the Volta River Authority spilled water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams to protect their integrity and maintain power supply.

    This action led to floods in over eight districts, with North Tongu being the epicenter and approximately 12,000 residents displaced. Many victims, whose properties were rendered uninhabitable, are still living in tents due to a lack of accommodation.

    To address this ongoing issue, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, initiated a project to build a shelter in Mepe for 300 widows, aged individuals, and single mothers.

    As of now, the construction of the shelter is about 78% complete, and it is scheduled for handover in February 2024. This facility, serving as the second resettlement center in the constituency, comprises 50 rooms, washrooms, and an entertainment room designed exclusively for vulnerable women.

  • Construction work on National Cathedral hasn’t resumed – Ablakwa

    Construction work on National Cathedral hasn’t resumed – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has refused reports indicating that construction work on the National Cathedral project has resumed.

    Last week, there were reports that construction has resumed on the National Cathedral after a pause prompted by financial difficulties, board resignations, and other challenges.

    For months, work on the project stalled due to lack of funds. But a video recently shared on GHOneTV showed renewed construction progress, with the foundation of the cathedral now covered.

    But in a social media post on January 31, Mr Ablakwa noted that “recent claims by government propagandists that work has resumed on Akufo-Addo’s scandalous US$450million cathedral are absolutely false.”

    He indicated that latest drone footage captured a few minutes ago by SOA Oversight confirms that the “world’s most expensive pit remains abandoned.”

    The drone footage was captured on Wednesday, January 31, 2024.

    Conceived in 2017 and officially unveiled by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2018, the National Cathedral is an ambitious project with a 5,000-seat capacity.

    The cathedral is designed to feature chapels, a baptistery, a music school, an art gallery, and a Bible museum. The initiative aims to create a lasting legacy for Ghana as it marks its 60th anniversary.

    The construction of the National Cathedral is receiving financial support from the state, with collaboration from the Christian community. As of November 2022, the Finance Ministry disclosed that an amount of GH¢339,003,064.86 has been released for the project.

    Additionally, GH¢113,040,654.86 has been paid to the consulting firm, Messers Sir David Adjaye and Associates, responsible for the cathedral’s construction. This information was provided to the parliamentary Adhoc Committee in response to a request for the total government expenditure on the National Cathedral.

  • Keep barking, I will still demand accountability – Ablakwa replies GFA official over 2023 AFCON budget

    Keep barking, I will still demand accountability – Ablakwa replies GFA official over 2023 AFCON budget

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has noted that he will continue to make public the unethical actions on the part of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) irrespective of the criticism he is subjected to.

    In an interview with Accra-based Asempa FM, an Executive Council member of the GFA, Nana Oduro Sarfo said Mr Ablakwa needed to stop meddling in cheap political commentary and focus on his mandate to influence policymaking.

    Mr Oduro Sarfo said this while reacting to Samuel Okudzeto Ablawa’s expose on the Sports Ministry’s budget for AFCON 2023.

    In a social media post, the NDC MP published an official government document that showed the country allocated in excess of $8.5m for the tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Speaking on Asempa FM on Tuesday, Oduro Sarfo first claimed that the MP made the document public as a diversionary tactic.

    Nana Oduro Sarfo, an Executive Council member of the GFA

    “He should concentrate on his job of passing bills in Parliament and stop engaging in small, small cheap politics in football,” he said.

    In response via a post on X, Mr Ablakwa described Mr Sarfo’s actions as barking while indicating that nothing will stop him from demanding full accountability.

    “A certain GFA official says I have no right to expose their unconscionable and lootocratic US$8.5million Black Stars budget. He can rave, bark, howl, growl, roar and rant but nothing will stop me from demanding full accountability,” he wrote.

    Mr Ablakwa earlier revealed that the GFA made a budget of $8.5million for the Black Stars as they participate in the 2023 AFCON tournament despite being aware of the fact that the winner of the tournament will be given $7 million.

    For Mr Ablakwa, such insensitivity by the government cannot be allowed to continue when many including victims of the Akosombo dam spillage continue to suffer due to neglect by the government.

    “When as a Member of Parliament I see thousands of my beloved constituents go to bed each night in tents because of VRA’s catastrophic spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams, and when after 5 long months government and VRA callously claim they don’t have money to construct resettlement homes for my people; good conscience cannot permit me to be silent and watch evil triumph.

    “Our fellow compatriots including women, the aged and children would not have to live in tents donated by the US government and the Red Cross if they had GHS105million to replace their damaged homes. My beloved constituents have done nothing wrong to deserve this; rather, they are going through all these suffering, indignity and destitution so the Akosombo and Kpong dams would be preserved for the entire nation to enjoy electricity.

    “This struggle is about JUSTICE and no one can intimidate us. I salute the group of courageous and patriotic sports journalists who have today formally notified the police of their intention to demonstrate on the 14th of February, 2024. My displaced persons and I shall be joining this protest. We shall remain resolute and relentless in the pursuit of justice, probity, transparency and accountability,” he wrote.

  • You are just disrespectful, such undemocratic behavior – Ablakwa slams ‘incompetent’ GFA over 2023 AFCON budget

    You are just disrespectful, such undemocratic behavior – Ablakwa slams ‘incompetent’ GFA over 2023 AFCON budget

    North Tongu’s Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has intensified his criticism of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over the bloated budget prepared for the senior national team during its time at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    In an interview on Peace FM, Mr Ablakwa, described the GFA as a disrespectful institution for trying to play a smart one on Parliament and the Ghanaian public by withholding details of how much it planned to spend on the Black Stars at AFCON.

    He noted that prior to the commencement of the tournament in Ivory Coast, Parliament requested the budget prepared for the Black Stars but the GFA claimed that it was yet to be finalised.

    For him, this does not bid well for Ghana’s democratic process as the Legislature is not a rubber stamp to be used anytime and anyhow.

    But after his own investigations, Mr Ablakwa has discovered the extravagant expenditure the GFA had plan to undertake.

    “It is our responsibility to keep the Executive on its toes. To be able to do the job well, you need evidence. If you have an Executive that doesn’t want to be transparent, accountable. If you can remember, going into this tournament, we asked in Parliament, time without number, that where is the budget. They told us it was not finalized so they can’t disclose it, which is not best practice.

    “Zambia, weeks before the tournament, presented their budget to the Zambian Parliament. There was transparency. Ivory Coast and South Africa did same. Nigeria too. Why can’t Ghana do same? After the calamitous performance, instead of you to apologize to us, which you haven’t done.

    “Parliament is not a rubber stamp. In the constitution, we are the custodians of the purse. Parliament is where you are to present your budget and we then scrutinize it. So we can protect the public purse and get value for money.

    “Now you are back. Now you are trying to bring us more bills. You haven’t accounted for the previous one. You have rather set a committee and sending us an invoice. You just have no respect for the Ghanaian people. This is not democracy. This cannot be democracy. That is why we have decided to intercept all the documents,” he said.

    In his recent disclosure, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the government allocated a substantial sum of US$8,506,450 for the Black Stars’ involvement in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

    Should Ghana not have been prematurely kicked out of the AFCON tournament and won this year’s trophy, the Black Stars would have earned $7 million.

    For Mr Ablakwa, it is beyond reasoning that the government would plan to spend more that it would generate from the tournament. He is also peeved by the fact that Zambia approved a total budget of only US$2.1million for its national team.

    “This hefty US$8.5million translates into a colossal GHS105million at current exchange. Note that the GHS105 million is entirely separate from the GHS27.9million spent on the qualifiers. What this means is that even if the Black Stars had won the trophy, the public officials who put this budget together were determined to ensure that Ghana made losses in excess of US$1.5million,” the North Tongu legislator wrote.

    Mr Ablakwa referenced an intercepted letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated 2nd January, 2024 which was addressed to the Minister of Finance requesting part payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget of US$8,506,450.00.

    The request letter in issue was signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, he added.

    “A painful addition to the scandalous GHS105million budget is that it did not guarantee success on the pitch either. It would be interesting to know what thought processes went into a scary US$8.5million budget for a bankrupt country which has defaulted on its loans and is desperately seeking an IMF bailout,” Mr Ablakwa added.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a 40% increase in the prize money for the winner of the AFCON 2023, from $5 million to $7 million. The runner-up will receive $4 million, while the losing semifinalists will get $2.5 million each. The quarterfinalists will pocket $1.3 million each, and the third-placed team will earn $2 million.

    Unfortunately, Ghana could not earn any of the aforementioned amounts as it failed to even progress beyond the group stages. Ghana lost to Cape Verde in its opener, drew with Egypt and Mauritania.

    Subsequently, Chris Hughton, who led the Black Stars to the 2023 AFCON tournament quit his job, and now Ghana is in search of a new head coach for the senior national team.

  • ‘Broke’ Ghana budgeted $8.5M when Zambia approved $2.1M for 2023 AFCON – Ablakwa

    ‘Broke’ Ghana budgeted $8.5M when Zambia approved $2.1M for 2023 AFCON – Ablakwa

    North Tongu’s Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has registered his spleen over the government’s gross expenditure despite being in debt distress, as noted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

    In his recent disclosure, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that the government allocated a substantial sum of US$8,506,450 for the Black Stars’ involvement in the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

    Should Ghana not have been prematurely kicked out of the AFCON tournament and won this year’s trophy, the Black Stars would have earned $7 million.

    For Mr Ablakwa, it is beyond reasoning that the government would plan to spend more that it would generate from the tournament. He is also peeved by the fact that Zambia approved a total budget of only US$2.1million for its national team.

    “This hefty US$8.5million translates into a colossal GHS105million at current exchange. Note that the GHS105 million is entirely separate from the GHS27.9million spent on the qualifiers. What this means is that even if the Black Stars had won the trophy, the public officials who put this budget together were determined to ensure that Ghana made losses in excess of US$1.5million,” the North Tongu legislator wrote.

    Mr Ablakwa referenced an intercepted letter from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, dated 2nd January, 2024 which was addressed to the Minister of Finance requesting part payment of US$5,071,840.36 from the total Black Stars budget of US$8,506,450.00.

    The request letter in issue was signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mr. William Kartey, on behalf of the Minister, Hon. Mustapha Ussif, he added.

    “A painful addition to the scandalous GHS105million budget is that it did not guarantee success on the pitch either. It would be interesting to know what thought processes went into a scary US$8.5million budget for a bankrupt country which has defaulted on its loans and is desperately seeking an IMF bailout,” Mr Ablakwa added.

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a 40% increase in the prize money for the winner of the AFCON 2023, from $5 million to $7 million. The runner-up will receive $4 million, while the losing semifinalists will get $2.5 million each. The quarterfinalists will pocket $1.3 million each, and the third-placed team will earn $2 million.

    Unfortunately, Ghana could not earn any of the aforementioned amounts as it failed to even progress beyond the group stages. Ghana lost to Cape Verde in its opener, drew with Egypt and Mauritania.

    Subsequently, Chris Hughton, who led the Black Stars to the 2023 AFCON tournament quit his job, and now Ghana is in search of a new head coach for the senior national team.

  • Ablakwa’s bitter message to Black Stars after another painful exit from AFCON tournament

    Ablakwa’s bitter message to Black Stars after another painful exit from AFCON tournament

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a stern warning to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Black Stars following the team’s continued disappointing performance at the African Cup of Nations.

    Once again, Ghana failed to progress from the group stages, this time falling short against Mozambique.

    The Black Stars exited Group B with a mere 2 points, having lost to Cape Verde, drawn with Egypt, and ultimately failing to secure a victory against Mozambique. Two years ago, Ghana exited AFCON after losing to Comoros.

    Expressing his discontent in a Facebook post on Wednesday, the frustrated North Tongu legislator highlighted the significant amount of money spent by the government to support the team, emphasizing the need for accountability for such a dismal performance.

    Below is his message to the senior national team.

    I hope Ghanaian footballers called to play for the Black Stars recognize that apart from the pride and high honour in representing our nation, taxpayers are making extraordinary sacrifices on the team despite the prevailing economic crisis.

    The huge financial burden on struggling taxpayers must warrant some respect and utmost commitment from these players.

    Documents submitted to Parliament by Ghana’s Youth and Sports Ministry a few weeks ago have shed light on a number of these Black Stars expenditure items:

    1) 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana V Angola — Home & Away) — GHS7,452,437.71

    2) 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana V Madagascar — Home & Away) — GHS8,395,434.13

    3) 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana V Central Africa Republic — Home & Away) — GHS3,414,894.51

    4) April to June 2023 salaries of the coach & signing on fees — GHS3,379,548.10

    5) The official ministerial documents also reveal that it cost taxpayers a significant GHS5,324,721.89 to airlift supporters of the Black Stars during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    These 5 items alone amount to a colossal GHS27,967,036.34

    Note that this GHS27.9million spent on Black Stars related activities during a period of historic economic crisis does not include latest tournament expenditure items in Côte d’Ivoire (I shall highlight that later).

    For a country undergoing unprecedented financial haircuts which does not spare even the aged, and for a country unable to raise GHS4million to save lives at Korle-Bu’s renal unit — players of our senior national team and GFA officials must acknowledge that there are so many national problems we can solve with GHS27.9million and that we do not deserve this calamitous output.

  • We spend millions of cedis on you, this “calamitous output” cannot repeat itself – Ablakwa warns Sports Ministry, Black Stars

    We spend millions of cedis on you, this “calamitous output” cannot repeat itself – Ablakwa warns Sports Ministry, Black Stars

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has sounded a word of caution to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Black Stars over the latter’s continuous disappointing performance at the African Cup of Nations.

    Ghana failed to advance from the group stages once again after failing to beat Mozambique this time around.

    Ghana exited Group B with just 2 points after losing to Cape Verde, drawing with Egypt and subsequently Mozambique.

    In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the peeved North Tongu legislator reminded the Black Stars team and the Sports Ministry how much was spent by the government for them to provide this appalling performance.

    “I hope Ghanaian footballers called to play for the Black Stars recognize that apart from the pride and high honour in representing our nation, taxpayers are making extraordinary sacrifices on the team despite the prevailing economic crisis. The huge financial burden on struggling taxpayers must warrant some respect and utmost commitment from these players,” he wrote.

    He noted that documents submitted to Parliament by Ghana’s Youth and Sports Ministry a few weeks ago have shed light on a number of these Black Stars expenditure items:

    1) 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana V Angola — Home & Away) — GHS7,452,437.71

    2) 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana V Madagascar — Home & Away) — GHS8,395,434.13

    3) 2024 AFCON Qualifier (Ghana V Central Africa Republic — Home & Away) — GHS3,414,894.51

    4) April to June 2023 salaries of the coach & signing on fees — GHS3,379,548.10

    5) The official ministerial documents also reveal that it cost taxpayers a significant GHS5,324,721.89 to airlift supporters of the Black Stars during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

    These 5 items amount to a colossal GHS27,967,036.34

    “Note that this GHS27.9million spent on Black Stars related activities during a period of historic economic crisis does not include latest tournament expenditure items in Côte d’Ivoire (I shall highlight that later),” he said.

    He stressed that work must be done to overturn this calamity by the Black Stars to ensure that the money spent on them will benefit the country.

    “For a country undergoing unprecedented financial haircuts which does not spare even the aged, and for a country unable to raise GHS4million to save lives at Korle-Bu’s renal unit — players of our senior national team and GFA officials must acknowledge that there are so many national problems we can solve with GHS27.9million and that we do not deserve this calamitous output,” he wrote.

  • Ablakwa settles 6-month rent for 167 teachers affected by Akosombo dam spillage

    Ablakwa settles 6-month rent for 167 teachers affected by Akosombo dam spillage

    Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reportedly disbursed approximately GH¢150,000 to the Ghana Education Service in the district.

    The funds are intended to clear six months’ rent advance for 167 teachers who have been displaced due to the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    In an interview with Citi News, the MP stressed the importance of providing financial support to the affected teachers to encourage them to return and resume their teaching duties.

    “My office has paid rent for 167 teachers who were displaced by the floods in order for them to return to teach our children. These are some of the innovations we’re embarking on to ensure our people are not left behind,” he said.

    Despite the resumption of school, it has been noted that not all children in the North Tongu district are currently attending. In response to this, ,Mr Ablakwa mentioned that his office has taken steps to support education in the area.

    They have supplied school bags, footwear, and other essential items to facilitate the education of the children in the district.

    “We’ve granted full scholarships to 50 student victims across various tertiary institutions,” he stated.

    Regarding St. Kizito SHS, where the largest number of displaced victims were accomodated, the MP stated that “teaching and learning have commenced, and painting and renovation works will be completed next week.”

    Mr Ablakwa also made an appeal to benevolent organizations to provide assistance to the victims affected by the floods.

    “The flood is no longer in the community. Yes, the water has receded, but the people are still homeless,” he bemoaned.

    In October 2023, the Volta River Authority spilled water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams to protect their integrity and maintain power supply.

    This action led to floods in over eight districts, with North Tongu being the epicenter and approximately 12,000 residents displaced. Many victims, whose properties were rendered uninhabitable, are still living in tents due to a lack of accommodation.

    To address this ongoing issue, the Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, initiated a project to build a shelter in Mepe for 300 widows, aged individuals, and single mothers.

    As of now, the construction of the shelter is about 78% complete, and it is scheduled for handover in February 2024. This facility, serving as the second resettlement center in the constituency, comprises 50 rooms, washrooms, and an entertainment room designed exclusively for vulnerable women.

  • Ablakwa settles 6 months rent advance fees for 167 teachers displaced during Akosombo Dam spillage

    Ablakwa settles 6 months rent advance fees for 167 teachers displaced during Akosombo Dam spillage

    The North Tongu constituency’s Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disbursed GH¢150,000 to the Ghana Education Service in the district, clearing six months’ rent advance for 167 teachers affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    In efforts to encourage the teachers’ return for uninterrupted teaching, Ablakwa emphasized the importance of such initiatives.

    “My office has paid rent for 167 teachers who were displaced by the floods in order for them to return to teach our children.

    “These are some of the innovations we’re embarking on to ensure our people are not left behind,” he explained in an interview with Citi News.

    Despite ongoing challenges, Ablakwa’s office has provided school bags, footwear, and essential items to facilitate education in the area. Full scholarships have been granted to 50 student victims across various tertiary institutions.

    Addressing St. Kizito SHS, which housed a significant number of displaced victims, Ablakwa reported that “teaching and learning have commenced, and painting and renovation works will be completed next week.”

    He appealed to benevolent organizations for further assistance, highlighting the persistent impact of the floods and the crucial need for ongoing support.

    “The flood is no longer in the community. Yes, the water has receded, but the people are still homeless,” he expressed concern.

    Following the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage, which displaced around 12,000 residents in North Tongu, Ablakwa’s initiative continues. Victims with uninhabitable properties remain in tents, prompting the MP’s call for support.

    Ablakwa’s ongoing project includes the construction of a shelter in Mepe for 300 widows, elderly individuals, and single mothers.

    Currently, the facility is 78% complete and is scheduled for handover in February 2024. This second resettlement center in the constituency features 50 rooms, washrooms, and an entertainment room exclusively for vulnerable women.

  • Government’s redevelopment policy a victim of abuse – Ablakwa

    Government’s redevelopment policy a victim of abuse – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is urging the cessation of the Accra redevelopment policy, asserting that it has overstayed its welcome and stands as one of Ghana’s most misused policies.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Wednesday, Ablakwa argued that, while the policy had good intentions, it has been exploited by high-ranking officials in successive governments since 1999 to serve private interests.

    This exploitation, according to him, has resulted in the displacement of numerous public and civil service officials, as well as government members holding sensitive positions, making way for private developers and their luxury apartments.

    Quoting the opinion of then-Justice Adenyira in a related case, Ablakwa emphasized, “The Accra redevelopment scheme of residential properties policy…has not been wholly satisfactory and has raised a lot of negative comments and issues of morality from the populace.”

    Ablakwa stressed that the policy, initially designed to provide housing for government and public officials, has lost its relevance and has become one of the most abused policies in the country’s history.

    He cited instances where judges, public servants, civil servants, and healthcare professionals were displaced due to this policy.

    Highlighting the lack of transparency in the sale and distribution of the land, Ablakwa called for a review of the policy to ensure clear guidelines, transparency, and accountability in the process.

    “The implementation of this scheme has dislodged a lot of government and public officials from their homes to give way to luxury apartments which only a few Ghanaians can afford to rent or buy.

    “I would stress that since these public lands were initially used to provide housing for government and other public officials; space should be made available to decently house these officials most of whom own sensitive positions and thus need adequate privacy and security.”

    “This land redevelopment policy has totally outlived its usefulness, it’s been probably the most abused policy in our country’s history and it should not continue,” he said.

    “Look, Kojo, I can give you a tall list, judges have not been excluded as victims of this policy, public servants, civil servants, doctors who should be close so that if there is an emergency, you need them close to Korle Bu or close to Ridge hospital, they can be in good proximity, so that they can save our lives they’ve all been dislodged because of this same policy in the name of redevelopment, in the name of in-filling.

    “What happens is that the land is sold to people in private sector, sometimes under very dubious circumstances and luxury apartments are constructed as Mrs. Adenyira JSC stated in this judgement and then it leads to many public officials being dislodged,” he said.

    “And you see it is important to stress that when you look at the implementation of this policy, we don’t have clear guidelines, there are no clear guidelines as to who benefits, how the land – if there is spare land – how it is auctioned, how it is sold, how you come to won titles.

    “It is shrouded in secrecy, a lot of opacity, it’s done behind the scenes before you know you receive an eviction order leave as a public official or as a judge and there are so many harrowing stories. You know, they just evict them and all manner of persons take over,” he said.

  • Beware, Akufo-Addo is planning another “lootocratic” scheme – Ablakwa warns

    Beware, Akufo-Addo is planning another “lootocratic” scheme – Ablakwa warns

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has told Ghanaians to be alert and monitor the undertakings of the incumbent government led by President Akufo-Addo this year as the country nears the polls.

    Mr Ablakwa, in a Facebook post, noted that President Akufo-Addo is planning a “lootocratic” scheme through single-source procurement regime just as he reportedly did four years ago.

    “The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia single-source-procurement-regime will be planning similar “lootocratic” schemes,” he warned.

    The MP sounded the alarm when he made public documents shedding light on the government’s spending patterns during the 2020 election year.

    On January 17, Mr. Ablakwa shared a document from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) detailing the procurement process for the construction of a 50-bed guest house in Tamale.

    The document indicated that approval was granted to the Bank of Ghana to employ single sourcing, engaging Messrs De-Simone Limited for the final works on the project at a cost of GHC139 million.

    Mr. Ablakwa raised concerns about what he perceives as an unhealthy inclination toward restricting tendering by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.

    “The fresh documents in my possession show that Dr. Addison appears to have a hooliganistic appetite for single-source and restricted tendering so much so that NONE of the procurements under his watch have been competitive,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.

    He added, “The venerable Togbe Afede XIV was obviously right when he wrote in his latest op-ed that the BoG has failed us.”

    He recalled the times when President Akufo-Addo during his time in opposition condemned “single source procurements and argued that it was a veritable conduit for corruption.”

    “Without principle and scruples, they are now the all-time champions of grand single source procurements.

    “It is most instructive to note that payments for other infamous wasteful Akufo-Addo-legacy projects such as the US$450million National Cathedral fiasco and the US$222.7million BoG Head Office all commenced during the electioneering campaign of 2020,” he added.

  • Akufo-Addo’s “wasteful” National Cathedral, BoG Head Office projects began during 2020 election year – Ablakwa raises red flag

    Akufo-Addo’s “wasteful” National Cathedral, BoG Head Office projects began during 2020 election year – Ablakwa raises red flag

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has alleged that President Akufo-Addo began the infamous projects; National Cathedral and Bank of Ghana Head Office, in 2020 to enable him to siphon funds should he lose the 2020 elections.

    Mr Ablakwa has made public documents shedding light on the government’s “wasteful” spending patterns during the 2020 election year.

    Among projects that saw huge sums of money being spent on were the National Cathedral, that cost US$450million and the Central Bank Head Office, at the cost of US$222.7million.

    According to Mr Ablakwa, he does not believe in sheer coincidence after finding faults in the procurement processes of the government’s projects.

    “It is most instructive to note that payments for other infamous wasteful Akufo-Addo-legacy projects such as the US$450million National Cathedral fiasco and the US$222.7million BoG Head Office all commenced during the electioneering campaign of 2020,” he added.

    The construction of the National Cathedral and the Central Bank Head Office has met stern reactions from a section of the public who believe the government’s expenditure priorities are misplaced.

    On January 17, Mr. Ablakwa shared a document from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) detailing the procurement process for the construction of a 50-bed guest house in Tamale.

    The document indicated that approval was granted to the Bank of Ghana to employ single sourcing, engaging Messrs De-Simone Limited for the final works on the project at a cost of GHC139 million.

    Mr. Ablakwa raised concerns about what he perceives as an unhealthy inclination toward restricting tendering by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.

    “The fresh documents in my possession show that Dr. Addison appears to have a hooliganistic appetite for single-source and restricted tendering so much so that NONE of the procurements under his watch have been competitive,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.

    He added, “The venerable Togbe Afede XIV was obviously right when he wrote in his latest op-ed that the BoG has failed us.”

    He recalled the times when President Akufo-Addo during his time in opposition condemned “single source procurements and argued that it was a veritable conduit for corruption.”

    “Without principle and scruples, they are now the all-time champions of grand single source procurements,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa has told Ghanaians to be alert and monitor the undertakings of the incumbent government led by President Akufo-Addo this year as the country nears the polls.

    Mr Ablakwa noted that President Akufo-Addo is planning a “lootocratic” scheme through single-source procurement regime just as he reportedly did four years ago.

    “The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia single-source-procurement-regime will be planning similar “lootocratic” schemes,” he warned.

  • You condemned in opposition but are now all-time champion of grand single-source procurements – Ablakwa chides Akufo-Addo

    You condemned in opposition but are now all-time champion of grand single-source procurements – Ablakwa chides Akufo-Addo

    The North Tongu legislator, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has criticised President Akufo-Addo for failing to walk the talk with respect to his fight against the single-source procurement regime.

    He noted that President Akufo-Addo during his time in opposition, condemned “single source procurements and argued that it was a veritable conduit for corruption,” but has engaged in such action more than any other government Ghana has seen.

    “Without principle and scruples, they are now the all-time champions of grand single source procurements.”

    “It is most instructive to note that payments for other infamous wasteful Akufo-Addo-legacy projects such as the US$450million National Cathedral fiasco and the US$222.7million BoG Head Office all commenced during the electioneering campaign of 2020,” he added.

    Mr Ablakwa registered his sentiments when he publicly disclosed documents that provide insight into the government’s spending patterns during the 2020 election year.

    In a Facebook post, Mr Ablakwa shared a document from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) that provided details on the procurement process for the construction of a 50-bed guest house in Tamale.

    The letter noted that approval was given to the Bank of Ghana to employ single sourcing to engage Messrs De-Simone Limited for the completion of final works on the project at a cost of GHC139 million.

    Mr. Ablakwa raised concerns about what he perceives as an unhealthy inclination toward restricting tendering by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.

    “The fresh documents in my possession show that Dr. Addison appears to have a hooliganistic appetite for single-source and restricted tendering, so much so that NONE of the procurements under his watch have been competitive,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.

    Meanwhile, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa has told Ghanaians to be alert and monitor the undertakings of the incumbent government led by President Akufo-Addo this year as the country nears the polls.

    “The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia single-source-procurement-regime will be planning similar “lootocratic” schemes,” he warned.

  • BoG has failed us, Addison’s “hooliganistic appetite” for restricted tendering is to blame – Ablakwa

    BoG has failed us, Addison’s “hooliganistic appetite” for restricted tendering is to blame – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has made public documents shedding light on the government’s spending patterns during the 2020 election year.

    In a Facebook post on January 17, Mr. Ablakwa shared a document from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) detailing the procurement process for the construction of a 50-bed guest house in Tamale.

    The document indicated that approval was granted to the Bank of Ghana to employ single sourcing, engaging Messrs De-Simone Limited for the final works on the project at a cost of GHC139 million.

    Mr. Ablakwa raised concerns about what he perceives as an unhealthy inclination toward restricting tendering by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison.

    “The fresh documents in my possession show that Dr. Addison appears to have a hooliganistic appetite for single-source and restricted tendering so much so that NONE of the procurements under his watch have been competitive,” Mr Ablakwa wrote.

    He added, “The venerable Togbe Afede XIV was obviously right when he wrote in his latest op-ed that the BoG has failed us.”

    He recalled the times when President Akufo-Addo during his time in opposition condemned “single source procurements and argued that it was a veritable conduit for corruption.”

    “Without principle and scruples, they are now the all-time champions of grand single source procurements.

    “It is most instructive to note that payments for other infamous wasteful Akufo-Addo-legacy projects such as the US$450million National Cathedral fiasco and the US$222.7million BoG Head Office all commenced during the electioneering campaign of 2020,” he added.

    “The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia single-source-procurement-regime will be planning similar “lootocratic” schemes,” he warned.

  • Ablakwa ‘exposes’ Akufo-Addo’s “lootocratic schemes” during 2020 elections, warns public ahead of next poll

    Ablakwa ‘exposes’ Akufo-Addo’s “lootocratic schemes” during 2020 elections, warns public ahead of next poll

    North Tongu Member of Parliament, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has publicly disclosed documents that provide insight into the government’s spending patterns during the 2020 election year.

    In a Facebook post, Mr Ablakwa shared a document from the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) that provided details on the procurement process for the construction of a 50-bed guest house in Tamale.

    The letter noted that approval was given to the Bank of Ghana to employ single sourcing to engage Messrs De-Simone Limited for the completion of final works on the project at a cost of GHC139 million.

    “The fresh documents in my possession show that Dr. Addison appears to have a hooliganistic appetite for single-source and restricted tendering so much so that NONE of the procurements under his watch have been competitive,” Mr Ablakwa wrote in reaction to this information.

    He recalled the times when President Akufo-Addo during his time in opposition condemned “single source procurements and argued that it was a veritable conduit for corruption.”

    “Without principle and scruples, they are now the all-time champions of grand single source procurements.

    “It is most instructive to note that payments for other infamous wasteful Akufo-Addo-legacy projects such as the US$450million National Cathedral fiasco and the US$222.7million BoG Head Office all commenced during the electioneering campaign of 2020,” he added.

    “The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia single-source-procurement-regime will be planning similar “lootocratic” schemes,” he warned.

  • “Exceptionally courageous” – Ablakwa congratulates Afua Asantewaa for successfully completing sing-a-thon Guinness World Record attempt

    “Exceptionally courageous” – Ablakwa congratulates Afua Asantewaa for successfully completing sing-a-thon Guinness World Record attempt

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has congratulated Afua Asantewaa for attempting to break the current record for the longest individual singing marathon.

    Afua Asantewaa Owusu Aduonum, the Ghanaian women’s rights advocate, journalist, and event organizer, on Friday concluded her captivating singing marathon Guinness World Record attempt after an impressive 126 hours and 52 minutes.

    In a Facebook post on December 30, Mr Ablakwa noted that he is excited a courageous woman would step up to break a world record and in so doing, unite Ghanaians.

    He wrote: “It’s such a great feeling when a fellow Ghanaian breaks a world record and sets her own record in the process — more so, when it’s a feat achieved by an exceptionally courageous woman from a relatively small country of 32 million people, breaking the Guiness World Record set by Sunil Waghmare, a man from a mighty 1.4billion populated India.

    “The patriotic and unifying support from all Ghanaians regardless of artificial strictures must be highly commended. That is testament that when we come together, we are unstoppable and unbreakable.

    “I wish Afua Asantewaa a successful reign — may she bring more glory to herself and our dear nation, and become an ambassador of great renown.”

    While the verification process from Guinness World Record judges is still pending, Ghanaians are anxiously awaiting the official statement.

    The suspense intensified when a Ghanaian named Abrantie Kwasi Gyamfi tagged the awarding body in a Facebook post, prompting them that Ghana is ready to join the ranks.

    In response, Guinness World Records conveyed:

    “Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are aware of Afua Aduonum’s feat, and we eagerly await the evidence to officially crown her as the world’s new individual singing marathon champion.”

    “Hi Abrantie, we look forward to receiving evidence, this event certainly seems to have captured the public’s imagination.”

    Below is Ablakwa’s congratulatory message.

    Even though my attention has been focused on supervising the rapid construction of resettlement homes for my beloved displaced constituents, I wish to take a moment to congratulate the inspirational Afua Asantewaa Aduonum on her historic sing-a-thon journey.

    It’s such a great feeling when a fellow Ghanaian breaks a world record and sets her own record in the process — more so, when it’s a feat achieved by an exceptionally courageous woman from a relatively small country of 32 million people, breaking the Guiness World Record set by Sunil Waghmare, a man from a mighty 1.4billion populated India.

    The patriotic and unifying support from all Ghanaians regardless of artificial strictures must be highly commended. That is testament that when we come together, we are unstoppable and unbreakable.

    I wish Afua Asantewaa a successful reign — may she bring more glory to herself and our dear nation, and become an ambassador of great renown.

    Ghana First 🇬🇭

  • ‘Our mysterious friend celebrates his second birthday this year’ – Ablakwa teases Kusi Boateng

    ‘Our mysterious friend celebrates his second birthday this year’ – Ablakwa teases Kusi Boateng

    North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has celebrated the birthday of one of his legal ‘adversaries’ in the year 2023.

    Despite Victor Kusi Boateng filing two cases against Ablakwa this year, the lawmaker posted a birthday message to the National Cathedral Board of Trustees secretary on December 30, 2023; one of his two different birthdays.

    The message captioned: “Happy birthday to a global living legend,” rehashed Ablakwa’s publications about how Kusi Boateng also known separately as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi was operation double identity as established by the courts.

    The lawmaker also reiterated his allegations of financial impropriety against the prophet mocking him in the process.

    “Despite his failed unholy legal machinations earlier this year to have me gagged and imprisoned, I genuinely wish him happy dual birthday celebrations in total freedom,” the post read in part.

    “As our mysterious friend celebrates his second birthday this year, I do look forward to more interesting legal battles in the coming year, seeing that he refuses to give up as only a few weeks ago the courts threw out his desperate applications to set aside the damning judgments against him.

    “Nobody fights the TRUTH and wins. For God and Country. Ghana First,” the post concluded.

    Read his full post below:

    Happy birthday to a global living legend.

    Today is the day Ghana’s mystical Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng transmogrifies as Kwabena Adu Gyamfi who was born on December 30, 1969 — nearly two years prior to the paranormal birth of Victor Kusi Boateng on September 7, 1971 to a different mother.

    Despite his failed unholy legal machinations earlier this year to have me gagged and imprisoned, I genuinely wish him happy dual birthday celebrations in total freedom.

    Ghanaians expect that in 2024, we shall have our GHS2.6million refunded to us at the prevailing value following that infamous, sacrilegious and unlawful payment by the Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng National Cathedral Board of Trustees to Kwabena Adu Gyamfi’s JNS Talent Centre Limited for absolutely no work done.

    As the courts have unambiguously affirmed my unimpeachable parliamentary investigative findings — Ghanaians also expect that in 2024, Prophet Victor Kusi Boateng/Kwabena Adu Gyamfi will reveal his true identity and purge himself. Even if he won’t do that which is extremely unusual for someone who professes to be a prophet of God; he ought to be reminded about the fact that he is a public official appointed by President Akufo-Addo to serve on the National Cathedral Board of Trustees for which he has been issued a Diplomatic Passport, albeit under shady circumstances, to facilitate his international engagements in our name — so as a public official he is accountable to the people of Ghana.

    As our mysterious friend celebrates his second birthday this year, I do look forward to more interesting legal battles in the coming year, seeing that he refuses to give up as only a few weeks ago the courts threw out his desperate applications to set aside the damning judgments against him.

    Nobody fights the TRUTH and wins.

    For God and Country.

    Ghana First

  • Government failing to address galamsey menace – Ablakwa

    Government failing to address galamsey menace – Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has contended that the persisting issue of illegal mining in the country is a result of a lack of integrity in leadership that has spanned several years.

    Mr Ablakwa argued that successive governments have lacked the necessary political will to effectively address the illegal mining menace, allowing galamsey activities to thrive.

    During an appearance on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he emphasized that the problem is rooted in the deliberate negligence of the situation by governments, leading to its current uncontrollable state.

    “The galamsey matter let’s be honest, it is just a reflection of the lack of integrity in leadership, that’s it, that’s what it is, lack of integrity. So there’s no sincerity, there’s a lot of pretense, we don’t need a new law, we don’t need to know who to report to. There’s no inch of land, no space in our country that is not under political control,” he said.

    Mr Ablakwa asserted that sincerity is lacking, and there has been a pretense in dealing with the issue.

    He emphasized that there is no need for new laws or identifying whom to report to, as every part of the country is under political control.

    Furthermore, he highlighted the exacerbation of the situation due to the active involvement of illegal miners in the country’s politics.

    Mr Ablakwa called for stronger leadership to confront party members engaged in illegal mining activities.

    “We all know the galamseyers, they’ve come to collect party cards, they’ve come for top positions, and leaders cannot tell them in the face that stop it, we’re going to arrest you, we’re going to prosecute you. So it’s failed leadership, no integrity. Let’s call it what it is,” he stated.

  • I’m deeply worried about Bawku becoming a forgotten area – Ablakwa

    I’m deeply worried about Bawku becoming a forgotten area – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on the government to prioritize addressing the crisis in Bawku.

    Mr Ablakwa emphasized the urgent need for a solution to end the violence in the area, expressing concern that the continued conflict could create opportunities for terrorists to infiltrate the country.

    He highlighted the unacceptable loss of lives resulting from the longstanding problem in Bawku and stressed the necessity of taking immediate action to resolve the crisis.

    Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, he said, “We have to find a solution. We forget that too many people are dying in this country and it’s become like the forgotten area. People are being killed in silence and we don’t even remember them. I’m deeply worried about that.”

    He voiced his concern that with the approaching election period, tensions in Bawku could intensify, potentially escalating the situation further.

    “And going into the elections, and you know it’s close to the border and what is happening in the sub-region, terrorists on the loose, you know Burkina Faso about 70% is controlled by the terrorists.

    “It’s such a toxic and volatile situation that if we don’t address that, that can become the avenue for destabilizing the entire country so I’m concerned about that,” he said.

  • Gaza-Israel conflict: Ghana must return to being a moral voice for peace, global stability – Ablakwa

    Gaza-Israel conflict: Ghana must return to being a moral voice for peace, global stability – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has urged the government to take a more active role in putting an end to Israel’s continuous massacre of Palestinians in Gaza.

    Mr. Ablakwa asserts that Ghana has, ever since its independence, been a moral voice for world peace and stability, and that this reputation needs to continue, particularly in light of the thousands of deaths occurring in Gaza.

    “To say that because some people have come to engage in that terrorist act all Palestinians is fair game; children, mothers, innocent civilians, hospitals, schools, kindergartens; I mean everywhere is being bombed and I’ve been there. I’ve been to the Middle East area on numerous occasions. These are holy lands which have been reduced to rubble.

    “This must stop and I think that we must add our voice. We sit on the security council even though our tenure is coming to an end and we must go back to that iconic role that the likes of Kwame Nkrumah used to play in being a moral voice for peace and global stability,” he said.

    Following the massacre on October 7th and the kidnapping of a number of Israelis by the Gaza-based terrorist organization Hamas, Israel launched a massive bombardment and invasion of the Gaza strip.

    Since then, Israel has disregarded international laws pertaining to war with impunity, despite calls for it to show some restraint.

    Speaking on the situation on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana must be firm in calling for an end to the massacre.

    “As the Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee, I’m deeply appalled at the massacre going on in Gaza. Look, Ghana has always been a stalwart, a nation that is respected in the comity of nations when it comes to international matters, when it comes to our demand for peace.

    “That’s why we were the first country to deploy peacekeeping operation in the Congo in 1960, we pioneered the non-aligned movement in the Cold War; we were a force for peace.

    “I want to re-echo the Pope’s Christmas message, those killings, the massacre must stop. More than 20,000 Palestinians have been killed. Of course I also condemn the October 7th killings but you see they should look out for the perpetrators and deal with them,” he added.

  • Parliament to probe National Cathedral exposé in January – Ablakwa

    Parliament to probe National Cathedral exposé in January – Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that Parliament is actively preparing for a thorough public inquiry into the National Cathedral matter, following his recent exposé.

    The delay in initiating the inquiry, according to Mr Ablakwa, is a result of the Majority’s failure to provide the names for the committee tasked with investigating the complexities surrounding the National Cathedral project.

    In his appearance on the Good Morning Ghana show on December 22, Ablakwa expressed contentment with Parliament’s acknowledgment and deliberation on his motion related to the National Cathedral.

    He voiced optimism about significant activity in January, as the public inquiry into the alleged irregularities surrounding the National Cathedral project begins to take shape.

    Ablakwa emphasized the importance of addressing what he considers a messy situation concerning the cathedral.

    Since the government’s announcement of the decision to construct the national cathedral, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been an outspoken critic of the project.

    His primary argument revolves around the belief that, given Ghana’s current needs and economic challenges, a national cathedral is unnecessary.

    Instead, he advocates redirecting the allocated funds towards improving the lives and living conditions of Ghanaians.

    Mr Ablakwa’s investigation, made public on January 11, 2023, uncovered several key findings related to the National Cathedral project:

    1. Millions Diverted to Inexperienced Companies: Documents revealed that millions of taxpayer funds were allocated to JNS Talent Centre Ltd, a company with no construction track record, raising concerns about the use of public funds.
    2. Nepotism in Contract Awards: Ablakwa alleged that the contracts for the construction of the national cathedral might have been awarded based on ‘family and friends’ connections. Notably, JNS Talent Centre Ltd, which received GH¢2.6 million, is linked to Rev. Johannes Eshun, the spiritual son and branch pastor of Rev. Victor Kusi-Boateng, the secretary to the Cathedral Board of Trustees.
    3. Questionable Allocation of Funds: Ablakwa exposed the allocation of GH¢28.2 million of taxpayers’ money to Cary Summers, CEO of Nehemiah Group, for ‘coordination,’ despite the company’s limited success in raising funds over the past three years.

    The revelations have sparked widespread concern and scrutiny, with calls for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds allocated to the National Cathedral project.

  • Akosombo dam spillage: Ablakwa to drag VRA, govt to court

    Akosombo dam spillage: Ablakwa to drag VRA, govt to court

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued a stern warning of legal action against the government and the Volta River Authority (VRA) if urgent steps are not taken within weeks to build resettlement facilities for those affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, leading to the collapse of their homes.

    In an interview with Citi News on Thursday, the MP conveyed his profound concern over what he perceives as a lack of action by the government, emphasizing the ongoing distress experienced by thousands of individuals affected by the floods even months after the incident.

    “What we need now really are these housing units that we are constructing. The VRA should be also constructing, If they can construct a few hundred for people, it will help. The VRA and the central government must acknowledge that there is a reason people pay taxes, there is a reason we have the contingency vote. It is for emergencies of this kind.

    “The people deserve their houses back, they deserve to be compensated, and I hope that they don’t compel me to initiate a class action in court. Because at some point we can’t continue any longer with the private initiatives.

    “And if we see that the government is still negligent and derelict, we will have to commence legal action. A class action to compel the government to do the right thing. I hope that we don’t have to get there,” he said.

    The spilling of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Hydro Dams commenced on September 15 due to rising water levels. Several weeks into the spillage, numerous residents in the Lower Volta Basin suffered the loss of their homes and farmlands due to the resultant floods. A total of nine districts were affected by this event.

    Heartbreaking stories emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation was particularly severe. Communities such as Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo found themselves submerged under water. According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), over 26,000 people were displaced and left homeless.

    In response, various institutions and individuals stepped forward to provide relief items to the affected residents. Prominent political figures, including President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahama Bawumia, visited the impacted communities. Both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership and the Minority caucus extended their assistance to the flood victims.

    “The Volta River Authority (VRA) wishes to inform the public, particularly residents living along the Lower Volta River and its environs that the controlled spillage from the Akosombo dam, which began on September 15, 2023, has ended,” the statement said.

    Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that an amount of GHC220 million has been allocated by the government to support the many families and communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.

    He made this known when he presented the 2024 budget statement in Parliament.

    Approximately 300 individuals affected by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams have been relocated to fully-furnished quarters, according to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu through the Safe Alternative Housing Project.

    The project was undertaken by Construction Ambassadors of the First Sky Group for the building. On October 24, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, cut sod for the construction of a First Sky Group housing project to relocate 12,000 individuals in the constituency who have been displaced owing to flooding by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: US$200K ECOWAS support was ‘secretly’ applied by government – Ablakwa alleges

    Akosombo Dam spillage: US$200K ECOWAS support was ‘secretly’ applied by government – Ablakwa alleges

    The transparency of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government has been brought into question by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, regarding financial assistance for the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    In a tweet, Mr Ablakwa shared intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission, revealing that Ghana had received a substantial amount of US$200,000.00 (GHS2.4 million) in support from ECOWAS.

    This information, according to the MP, was not disclosed to Parliament or the Ghanaian public.

    Expressing his concerns, Mr Ablakwa questioned why the government concealed its additional application to ECOWAS for financial support for the Akosombo Dam spillage flood victims.

    “Why has the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government concealed from Parliament and the Ghanaian people that they had additionally applied to ECOWAS for financial support for the Akosombo dam spillage flood victims?”

    The intercepted documents from the ECOWAS Commission disclosed the approval of financial aid following Ghana’s application, adding complexity to the government’s financial narrative.

    “When Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, presented the 2024 Budget on November 15, 2023, he only disclosed government’s applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund,” the MP remarked.

    Ablakwa pointed out a timeline discrepancy in the government’s disclosures, noting that during the presentation of the 2024 Budget on November 15, 2023, Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta only mentioned applications to the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund, omitting the ECOWAS application.

    Referring to specific sections of the budget, Ablakwa highlighted paragraphs 29 and 30 on page 5, which exclusively mentioned the World Bank and the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund.

    He emphasized that the ECOWAS application had been made two weeks before the budget presentation, as evidenced by the intercepted documents. Ablakwa assured that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Caucus in Parliament would demand full disclosure and total accountability on all government requests for funding submitted to international organizations.

  • Endorsing secessionists will be the last I will do – Ablakwa

    Endorsing secessionists will be the last I will do – Ablakwa

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly declared his refusal to support any secessionist group despite the challenges faced by flood victims in his constituency.

    This statement follows the receipt of a letter from the Western Togoland secessionist group a few days ago.

    Mr Ablakwa emphasized his opposition to the group’s activities and expressed embarrassment at receiving their letter. He highlighted his previous stance, making it clear that he does not endorse any treasonable activities.

    “This group everybody knows I have been perusing and told them in clear language that what they are doing is not the best. The secessionist group, Papavi, and his people, the ringleaders are from my constituency everybody knows. I said no we are not going to support these things, we are all Ghanaians and we would not engage in any treasonable enterprise.

    “Now they have written to me, that ‘you were opposing us, you were fighting us. Do you really think you are also Ghanaian, after what Akufo-Addo has done to you? How do you feel now, you said we are treasonable characters. We are bad guys. You people were doing good things in the Ghanaian Parliament. You will not serve in our future so-called Western Togoland Parliament’,” Mr. Ablakwa narrated.

    The secessionist group, particularly the ringleaders from his constituency, had written to him, questioning his Ghanaian identity and expressing disappointment in his opposition.

    While finding it challenging to respond to the letter, Ablakwa reiterated his commitment to the Ghana Project, emphasizing the shared stake in the nation’s development.

    He underscored the importance of unity and rejected any endorsement of divisive or segregationist agendas, even in the face of challenges posed by the Akufo-Addo government’s treatment of flood victims.

    “But you see, I remain committed to the Ghana Project and I think we have an equal stake. Where will Ghana be without Ephraim Kɔku Amu, where will Ghana be without our Volta River? The Akosombo Dam, I mean we have an equal stake and I will be for the nation and Ghana project.

  • Finance and Energy ministries will answer for $170m judgement debt in Parliament – Ablakwa

    Finance and Energy ministries will answer for $170m judgement debt in Parliament – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has declared his intention to initiate proceedings to summon the Finance and Energy Ministers, as well as the Attorney General, to appear before Parliament.

    This move comes in response to the release of GH¢230 million to settle a judgment debt owed to Trafigura.

    Trafigura, the primary owner of Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC), was awarded this sum in January 2021 following a ruling by an arbitral tribunal in London.

    The tribunal determined that Ghana had unlawfully terminated a contract for the installation and operation of two power plants. Consequently, the government was directed to pay $170 million to Trafigura, with the possibility of losing its assets through auctioning if the payment was not made.

    To initiate the payment process, the government has released $20 million. In an interview with Citi News, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the North Tongu legislator, expressed his intention to seek answers from the Finance and Energy Ministers, as well as the Attorney General, regarding this matter.

    “Our oversight role in terms of summoning these ministers and finding out why they created this, and seeing if there can even be a vote of censure, failed the last time we tried that because we did not have the two-thirds majority.”

    “But we will not give up, and we have already served notice that we are going to pursue this matter because this is such a colossal amount of money wasted, and people must answer questions. You can’t waste all of these resources which could have been used to build roads, hospitals, solve our water problems, and address our housing challenges for displaced persons. So, I can assure you that we are not going to be derelict on this matter.”

  • Ablakwa issues warning to individuals responsible for GPGC contract termination

    Ablakwa issues warning to individuals responsible for GPGC contract termination

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Member of the North Tongu constituency, contends that the Akufo-Addo-led government has sanctioned the disbursement of US$20 million, equivalent to GH¢230.5 million, to settle a judgment debt.

    He asserts that despite the government’s claim of a lack of funds for emergency housing for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage, it has allocated funds to cover a judgment debt incurred by the government.

    Ablakwa, in a tweet observed by GhanaWeb Business, emphasized that the ministers responsible for wrongfully terminating the contract with the Ghana Power Generation Company (GPGC) would face consequences on the day of reckoning.

    “The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/Ofori-Atta government claims it so broke that they cannot provide emergency housing for VRA-induced flood victims but fresh intercepted documents reveal that they have authorized the release of a staggering GHS230.5million (US$ 20 million) to pay for a judgment debt they recklessly & wickedly created,” part of his tweet read.

    “I hope the Ministers who wrongfully terminated the GPGC contract and willfully caused financial loss to Ghana are preparing for the day of reckoning,” it added.

    Trafigura, the majority shareholder of the power company GPGC, secured an award in January 2021 from an arbitral tribunal in London. The tribunal found that Ghana had unlawfully terminated a contract for the installation and operation of two power plants.

    Consequently, properties including the Ghana High Commission building in the UK, which provides visa and other services, the commissioner’s residence, the Ghana International Bank building, and others, are at risk of being auctioned to offset a $140 million judgment debt owed to the Singaporean firm Trafigura.

    Although the government has stated that the Finance Ministry is taking measures to settle the debt, Papa Owusu Ankomah, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, attributes the default in payment to the financial constraints of the government. The termination of the deal in 2017, based on the Attorney General’s advice, cited high tariffs, potential costs of $115,480,000 to the state, and various reasons such as illegality, lack of capacity for GPGC to enter into a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), failure to obtain permits, installation of used plants contrary to policy, and GPGC’s failure to fulfill certain conditions.

    Contrary to the government’s justification, the former Power Minister contends that among all the PPAs signed in 2016, GPGC had the most economical terms and the shortest lifespan of four years.

  • Photos: Temporary shelter provided by Ablakwa to Akosombo dam spillage

    Photos: Temporary shelter provided by Ablakwa to Akosombo dam spillage

    Thousands of people faced displacement and lost their homes and livelihoods over two months ago due to the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams, leading to a humanitarian crisis.

    In response, efforts were made for temporary relocation, with schools in unaffected areas serving as makeshift homes for affected families. St. Kizito Senior High School in Mepe, part of the North Tongu Constituency, housed hundreds of displaced individuals.

    On December 9, 2023, Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa relocated around 300 people from the school to fully-furnished quarters he had built, providing temporary accommodation and relieving the school of its housing role.

    Mr Ablakwa assured that residents wouldn’t pay rent or utility fees during their stay in the temporary quarters.

    Here are images of the newly built structures.

  • Ablakwa relocates 300 Akosombo dam spillage victims to new temporary homes

    Ablakwa relocates 300 Akosombo dam spillage victims to new temporary homes

    Approximately 300 individuals affected by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams have been relocated to fully-furnished quarters, according to Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu through the Safe Alternative Housing Project.

    The project was undertaken by Construction Ambassadors of the First Sky Group for the building. On October 24, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, cut sod for the construction of a First Sky Group housing project to relocate 12,000 individuals in the constituency who have been displaced owing to flooding by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.

    The relocation comes after the affected group had been residing temporarily at St. Kizito SHS. Mr Ablakwa emphasized that the furnished quarters, though temporary, will enable the schools to resume its original function and offer constituents a decent living space until they can return to their homes.

    Additionally, residents will not be required to pay rent or utility fees during their stay in the temporary accommodation.

    Mr Ablakwa communicated this information via a post on X on December 9, 2023.

    The spilling of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong Hydro Dams commenced on September 15 due to rising water levels. Several weeks into the spillage, numerous residents in the Lower Volta Basin suffered the loss of their homes and farmlands due to the resultant floods. A total of nine districts were affected by this event.

    Heartbreaking stories emerged from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation was particularly severe. Communities such as Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo found themselves submerged under water. According to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO), over 26,000 people were displaced and left homeless.

    In response, various institutions and individuals stepped forward to provide relief items to the affected residents. Prominent political figures, including President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahama Bawumia, visited the impacted communities. Both the National Democratic Congress (NDC) leadership and the Minority caucus extended their assistance to the flood victims.

    “The Volta River Authority (VRA) wishes to inform the public, particularly residents living along the Lower Volta River and its environs that the controlled spillage from the Akosombo dam, which began on September 15, 2023, has ended,” the statement said.

    Meanwhile, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, has indicated that an amount of GHC220 million has been allocated by the government to support the many families and communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.

    He made this known when he presented the 2024 budget statement in Parliament.

  • National cathedral: Eastwood Anaba, Duncan-Williams joined with a pure heart, never took allowance – Ablakwa

    National cathedral: Eastwood Anaba, Duncan-Williams joined with a pure heart, never took allowance – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the two top clergymen, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba, who recently resigned from the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral, served on the board for free.

    Speaking in an interview on Starr FM on November 16, 2023, Mr Ablakwa emphasized that both pastors joined the board with sincere intentions and without any ulterior motives.

    He stated that he personally spoke to the pastors, and Rev. Eastwood Anaba admitted that they should have heeded his earlier warnings against the controversial National Cathedral project.

    Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, North Tongu MP

    “Yes, I have spoken to all of them. Rev. Eastwood Anaba is my pastor, so we talk always, and I can’t lie about this. He said, ‘Young man, we should have listened to you earlier. You saw things that we saw later’,” he said.

    He added, “And to be fair to them, to be honest to them, they went into this with a very pure heart, I know and I can confirm to you today that these two Rev. Eastwood Anaba and Archbishop Duncan-Williams never took an allowance. So, sometimes when I see people say that they should also refund the money and that, they are not been fair to them I have the records.”

    The two pastors, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba, resigned from their positions as members of the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral.

    In a joint statement addressed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the clergymen cited growing concerns about transparency and accountability within the National Cathedral project as the reason for their resignation.

    “Despite our prayers, best hopes and wishes, unfortunately, a needed audit to help restore public confidence and trust in this consequential project has not been enacted to the best of our knowledge. Since January 2023, we have awaited news, to no avail, regarding the findings of the audit. We, therefore, regret that as a matter of conscience and faith, we hereby submit to you our resignation from the Board of Trustees of the National Cathedral,” the statement said.

    The pastors emphasized that their decision to resign should not be interpreted as a challenge to the vision or intent of the National Cathedral project.

    “We honourably assure you, as we assured the Board of Trustees in January 2023, with the submission of our resignation, that our action in no way impugns the vision or intent of the National Cathedral, but rather ensures that it is advanced and built on a foundation of integrity, efficiency and quality while gaming and maintaining public trust and support, We truly owe this to God and to country,” the statement added.

  • Independent Council established to manage donations for Akosombo dam-induced flood victims

    Independent Council established to manage donations for Akosombo dam-induced flood victims

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has inaugurated an independent Accountability Elders Council (AEC) to oversee transparent and accountable management of all donations received through his office intended for VRA-induced flood victims.

    He made this known in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) on Monday, November 6, 2023.

    The AEC will also be responsible for guiding the MP’s office on the equitable distribution of donations to all 21 displaced camps and affected households across the constituency.

    The Council will also ensure no victim is left out and assist the North Tongu MP with integrity mechanisms that must prevent any diversion of relief items or funds received through my office.

    The AEC is made up of royalty and highly respected elders from all six traditional areas in North Tongu. It is chaired by the illustrious Prof. Emmanuel Netsey-Afedo.

    Other members of the AEC are Togbe Kodzo Azagba IV of Mepe, Mama Asieku IV of Battor, Manklalo Agbohla VI of Dorfor, Togbe Dzetekletsi III of Torgorme, Memayor Asiworme — Secretary to Fodzoku Traditional Area and Nicholas Bordeha.

    Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa has extended his appreciation to members of AEC “for their commitment to honest service of our people.”

  • Work on Aveyime-Agbetikpo-Tokpo road construction impressive – Ablakwa

    Work on Aveyime-Agbetikpo-Tokpo road construction impressive – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is impressed with work done so far involving the construction of the Aveyime-Agbetikpo-Tokpo road.

    The construction is being fully funded by Mawums Construction Company Limited. The roads damaged by flood waters are creating considerable transportation and logistical challenges as such the need for construction works.

    On Sunday, October 29, Mr Ablakwa inspected progress on work being done after the sod cutting ceremony four days ago.

    “I am really impressed with the pace and quality of work,” he stated in a post on X today, October 30.

    “Instructively, this is a strategic road leading to Asutsuare which is a major agricultural hub. I highly commend Mawums Construction Company Limited for the great job, and also for being ahead of schedule despite working gratis. In this together, rising together,” he added.

    Since the initiation of the spillage process on September 15, the Volta River Authority has been releasing excess water due to the elevated water levels in the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams. However, in the subsequent weeks, many residents along the Lower Volta Basin have witnessed their homes and farmlands submerged by the resulting floods.

    This intentional spillage has severely impacted several districts, including South, Central, and North Tongu in the Volta Region.

    Communities like Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo have been inundated.

    The consequences for the affected individuals have been significant, with over 26,000 people displaced and rendered homeless, according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO).

  • Ablakwa calls for alternative housing for flood victims

    Ablakwa calls for alternative housing for flood victims

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has stressed on the need to providing alternative housing for flood victims in the Lower Volta Basin.

    He highlights that the continuous displacement of people in the Lower Volta Basin has disrupted life in the region, and there is an urgent requirement for attention and support to help restore a sense of normalcy in the area.

    During an appearance on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, he expressed concern about the substantial increase in the number of displaced individuals in recent weeks and emphasized that the makeshift shelters currently in use are unsuitable for human habitation.

    “We need to find alternative housing so that we can relocate the displaced people. The numbers have gone up a bit. I think North Tongu is hitting 13,000 now in terms of the displaced people according to the latest NADMO data, so these are huge numbers,” he said.

    In a commendable response, local chiefs in the North Tongu region have generously contributed significant tracts of land to facilitate the resettlement of the displaced community members.

    “They say anybody who is willing to come and put up housing here does not have to pay for the land, not even knocking fee, you don’t have to present drinks, nothing, just come and take over the land and start,” Okudzeto Ablakwa said.

    In the meantime, several philanthropic individuals have pledged their support to the affected communities, offering assistance in their efforts to rebuild and recover.

    “I must commend the First Sky group, they’re working very fast and then I must also commend Pastor Amoateng who says his church will also take up a housing unit.

    “Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has also promised that he will also take up a few housing units and he has already sent his engineers here to assess the land.

    “This morning he sent bulldozers here to start preparing the land for houses to be constructed and we want to thank him very much, we are eternally in his debt,” the MP revealed.

    Nevertheless, Okudzeto Ablakwa emphasizes that the task of resettling the displaced people should not solely rely on philanthropic efforts. He underlines the immediate requirement for the government to assume a central role in the resettlement process, bearing both the financial burden and the leadership of the project.

    “I must also add that the relocating discussion must go beyond a few philanthropists because the numbers are huge and government will have to really put together an allocation for this.

    “And that is why when the Finance Minister came yesterday whilst commending him for his visit I emphasized two points that in the 2024 budget he will be presenting to parliament in a few days I want to see two things; one, resettlement allocation in the budget and two compensation allocation in the budget because it is urgent,” he said.

  • Ablakwa sees to construction of damaged Aveyime-Agbetikpo-Tokpo road

    Ablakwa sees to construction of damaged Aveyime-Agbetikpo-Tokpo road

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has cut sod for road construction to immediately begin on the Aveyime-Agbetikpo-Tokpo road.

    In a post on X, Mr Ablakwa noted that the construction is being fully funded by Mawums Construction Company Limited.

    Currently, the roads damaged by flood waters are creating considerable transportation and logistical challenges.

    Mr Ablakwa believes that construction will be “completed in a few days” and this would facilitate the smooth distribution of relief items to displaced camps along the Agbetikpo and Fodzoku corridor.

    “We are ever indebted to the CEO, management and construction workers of Mawums,” Mr Ablakwa expressed gratitude.

    Since the initiation of the spillage process on September 15, the Volta River Authority has been releasing excess water due to the elevated water levels in the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams. However, in the subsequent weeks, many residents along the Lower Volta Basin have witnessed their homes and farmlands submerged by the resulting floods.

    This intentional spillage has severely impacted several districts, including South, Central, and North Tongu in the Volta Region.

    Communities like Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo have been inundated.

    The consequences for the affected individuals have been significant, with over 26,000 people displaced and rendered homeless, according to the National Disaster Management Organisation (NaDMO).

  • Dam spillage: Our officers have not been given any ‘orders from above’ to withdraw from Mepe, others – GAF

    Dam spillage: Our officers have not been given any ‘orders from above’ to withdraw from Mepe, others – GAF

    The Ghana Armed Forces has issued a statement refuting claims that its personnel stationed at Mepe in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region had allegedly withdrawn from their posts while providing aid to victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.

    Several media outlets had suggested that soldiers deployed to the area for humanitarian relief operations to assist those affected by the flooding had abandoned their responsibilities.

    These reports were supported by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, who was present in the area to aid in relief efforts.

    In a post on social media, Mr Ablakwa raised concerns about whether the people of the region were being treated as second-class citizens due to the reported actions of the military personnel.

    But the Ghana Armed Forces in a statement issued on Sunday, October 22, and signed by its Director General in charge of Public Relations, M.A Larbi Naval Captain said the information in circulation was “inaccurate.”

    “The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to debunk some media reports and series of social media posts especially on Twitter (X), claiming that military personnel deployed to Mepe in Volta Region for Humanitarian Relief Operations following the spillage of the Akosombo Dam, have been withdrawn. GAF wishes to categorically state that the information in circulation is inaccurate and that the personnel have not been given any ‘orders from above’ to withdraw from Mepe or any other community affected by the spillage contrary to the social media posts” portions of the statement read.

    According to the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), the relief operations in Mepe are being conducted in a phased approach. As a result, the team redirected its efforts to other communities, such as Battor, since the situation in Mepe had been significantly stabilized.

    The GAF clarified that the Humanitarian Relief Operations, known as “Operation Boafo,” are being carried out jointly by the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Army, and they are organized in a series of stages.

    The statement reaffirmed the GAF’s unwavering commitment to ensuring a prompt, fair, and suitable response to assist all individuals and communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage, while maintaining collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.

    “GAF, therefore, wishes to assure the general public that as recently reported in the media of the thousands of persons rescued and marked efforts being made to support victims, it will not relent in the quest to ensure urgent, equitable and appropriate response and support to all persons and communities affected by the spillage in conjunction with all stakeholders.”

    Shortly after his initial post on social media, the MP for North Tongu made another post claiming he had received information that the initial order from above had been reversed and that the soldiers had returned to their duty post.

    “I am able to confirm that the military did indeed return following the reversal of that devious order from “above.”

    “Let’s be clear, the over 12,000 displaced beloved constituents of mine have done nothing wrong to deserve their current VRA-induced predicament — all we ask for is empathy and justice.”

    The flooding stemming from the discharge of water from the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams has compelled numerous communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region to evacuate. As a result, they find themselves living in temporary, improvised shelters for the time being.

    Data from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) reveals that over 26,000 individuals have been displaced due to these flood events. This has, for many, led to the devastating consequences of losing their homes, personal belongings, and sources of income.

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: Ablakwa cuts sod for First Sky Group housing project to house 12,000 victims

    Akosombo Dam spillage: Ablakwa cuts sod for First Sky Group housing project to house 12,000 victims

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has cut sod for the construction of a First Sky Group housing project to relocate 12,000 individuals in the constituency who have been displaced owing to flooding by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.

    First Sky’s subsidiary known as Construction Ambassadors is executing the project, which they promise to complete in record time. As part of his contribution, Mr Ablakwa noted that “we are offering free land at all agreed three locations.”

    In a post on X, he added that “we stand ready to provide communal labour support.”

    In Mr Ablakwa’s view, the relocation will begin to restore the dignity of his beloved constituents, ensure they live in much healthier conditions, and free the 21 schools being used as havens to help children return to school.

    :North Tongu shall never forget the generosity and humanity of the First Sky Group. May God bless you all bountifully. Together, we shall survive this man-made disaster,” he added.

    The calculated spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams began on 15th September 2023, in response to a consistent increase in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.

    The severe flooding, caused by the spillage from the dams, has forced numerous individuals in these areas to evacuate.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has discovered that a significant number of people in the emergency shelters are exhibiting symptoms of diarrhoea and bilharzia.

  • Let Akufo-Addo be, even a demon supervised construction of Solomon’s temple – Allotey Jacobs jabs Ablakwa

    Former National Democratic Congress Chairman for the Central Region, Allotey Jacobs, has added his voice to the conversation surrounding the resignations of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Founder and General Overseer of the United Denominations of Action Chapel Churches Worldwide, and Rev. Eastwood Anaba, President of the Eastwood Anaba Ministries, from their roles on the Board of Trustees for Ghana’s National Cathedral project.

    In his comments on these developments and other related controversies surrounding the cathedral, Allotey expressed his disappointment that instead of people rallying behind the president, they appear to be opposing his well-intentioned efforts to construct the cathedral.

    Mr Allotey specifically mentioned North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who has been highly critical of the government’s handling of the project, making allegations that question its integrity.

    He expressed his bewilderment at the overwhelming negative sentiment surrounding the National Cathedral project and offered a specific caution to North-Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for his vehement criticism of the initiative.

    “It pains me that something to glorify our God, our only one true God, that we will build an establishment for all Ghanaians irrespective of our religion and churches can gather there has become a sin,” he said.

    “Even the temple that King Solomon built, it was a demon that supervised the construction of the temple of Solomon. Go to Israel and ask, they will tell him that the one who ensured the establishment of the temple was a demon that was commanded, instructed to supervise over the construction of the temple of Solomon,” he added.

    There is no mention in the Bible of a demon building a temple for Solomon, per reseach. The construction of Solomon’s Temple, also known as the First Temple, is described in the Bible in the books of 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

    The temple was built by Solomon, with the assistance of skilled workers, under the guidance of the Lord, as a place of worship and the central sanctuary for the Israelites.

    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed his approval and appreciation for the recent resignations of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Reverend Eastwood Anaba from their positions on the Board of Trustees responsible for overseeing the construction of Ghana’s National Cathedral.

    Archbishop Duncan-Williams and Reverend Anaba released a joint statement explaining that their decision to resign from the Board of Trustees overseeing the construction of the National Cathedral was primarily driven by the government’s failure to designate an independent accounting firm responsible for conducting an audit of all public funds contributed to the project.

    Mr. Ablakwa in an interview with Citi News said that the resignations are a confirmation of all the ills he has been speaking about the project and calling for it to be stopped for an independent audit to be conducted.

    “I want to commend highly the two revered clergymen. Some may say it is delayed, but I will say better later than never because they have covered themselves in glory with this resignation, and it is a clear confirmation of the things I have been talking about.”

    “Look at how they say they have been frustrated within the board about getting the board to carry out an independent audit. If these folks have nothing to hide, why did they really prevent efforts by these respected clergymen to have an independent audit? We will have time in the coming days, for an independent parliamentary inquiry on this matter. Our motion has gone through, the Speaker approved it and the House has voted on it, and we are just waiting for the NPP side to send their membership, and we will have a full-blown inquiry and delve into the matters.”

  • Akosombo Dam spillage: I will ensure victims are compensated – Ablakwa

    Akosombo Dam spillage: I will ensure victims are compensated – Ablakwa


    The Member of Parliament for North Tongu in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has affirmed his dedication to securing complete resettlement and compensation for all those affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage from the Volta River Authority (VRA).

    In an interview with the media, Mr Ablakwa urged the VRA to outline its plans for resolving the situation and providing assistance to the affected victims.

    “VRA should be telling us what their plans are for resettlement and what their plans are for full compensation. I am going to insist that there is resettlement and there is full compensation. That is why when the house resumes, I’ll be making a statement, I will be demanding a parliamentary inquiry. These VRA officials must be summoned,” he said.

    Mr Ablakwa emphasized that the residents affected by the flood had made significant sacrifices by donating their lands for the construction of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

    He pointed out that these sacrifices had contributed to the development of the country and deserved recognition and justice.

    “This should not be the price we pay for donating our lands for the Akosombo dam to be built; for the Kpong dam to be built. Because of the sacrifices that my people made, we all have electricity, we’re all getting industrialized, and getting transformed. And this should not be how we should be treated after making this enormous sacrifice, this is not the price we must pay. All we need is respect; all we need is our human rights to be valued. This is a matter of justice, they deserve justice and I’ll make sure that they receive justice, he said.

  • National Cathedral Board must be dissolved for a full-scale probe – Ablakwa

    National Cathedral Board must be dissolved for a full-scale probe – Ablakwa

    Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on President Akufo-Addo to take immediate action to disband the National Cathedral Board of Trustees.

    He also calls for a comprehensive forensic audit of the controversial project.

    This appeal comes in the wake of the recent resignations of Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams and Rev. Eastwood Anaba from the National Cathedral Board of Trustees.

    Their resignations were based on the board’s failure to appoint an independent accounting firm to audit all public funds contributed to the National Cathedral project.

    This development marks the departure of four clergymen from the board, including Pastor Mensa Otabil and Bishop Dag Heward-Mills. In light of these events, the North Tongu MP emphasizes that there is no better time than now to dissolve the Board of Trustees and initiate a forensic audit of the project.

    “Let me be honest with you, in an ideal situation, the Board should be dissolved and we should be having a full-scale probe. There should be a forensic audit into the activities of the project,” he said on JoyNews.

    Anti-corruption advocate, Edem Senanu, stresses that any action taken regarding the National Cathedral Board of Trustees should be handled with caution due to the presence of high-profile individuals on the board.

    Nonetheless, he underscores that the National Cathedral project is grappling with substantial credibility concerns.

    “…obviously, there is a crisis situation when you have four members existing. It is time to pause and do a critical review of where this whole project stands,” he stressed.