South Africa evacuation funded through contingency budget, says Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the government's ongoing evacuation of citizens fleeing xenophobic attacks in South Africa is being financed through funds earmarked for national emergencies.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, Mr Ablakwa said he sought presidential approval to access the contingency allocation in the national budget, with the request subsequently approved through the necessary government and parliamentary processes.

According to the minister, the funds have since been released and are being used to facilitate the evacuation exercise.

He said the contingency allocation, which forms part of the annual budget, is intended to support government responses to emergencies and unforeseen situations.

"For those who are wondering where the resources are coming from, in every year's budget there is always a contingency allocation for emergencies," Mr Ablakwa said. "That is what the Finance Minister, on the instruction of the President, released for this exercise."

The minister also sought to address concerns about the cost of the operation, assuring the public that a full account of expenditure would be provided once the evacuation exercise is completed.

"There will be full accountability. There will be nothing to hide at all when it comes to the financial component of this whole arrangement," he said.

Mr Ablakwa stressed that all spending related to the evacuation would be subject to proper financial controls and oversight, insisting that transparency would be maintained throughout the process.

The government has so far been working to assist Ghanaians seeking to leave South Africa following reports of xenophobic violence targeting foreign nationals.