Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who built a reputation in opposition for exposing alleged scandals under the Akufo-Addo government, is now facing scrutiny over allegations of wrongdoing within the ministry he leads.

The minister has come under pressure, particularly from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), over two major controversies: the alleged sale of diplomatic and service passports and the handling of funds meant for the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa.

Will Ablakwa demonstrate his commitment to accountability?

The allegations have led to calls for his resignation, placing him on the other side of the public accountability battles he once led against the previous government.

But how did Ablakwa move from being one of the country's most vocal critics of alleged government wrongdoing to becoming a subject of similar scrutiny?

Ablakwa's days as an exposé crusader

Before becoming Foreign Affairs Minister, Ablakwa was one of the most outspoken opposition MPs during the eight years of the Akufo-Addo administration.

As the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, he used parliamentary questions, motions, statements and investigations to raise concerns about government contracts, public spending and alleged misconduct by government officials.

His work earned him recognition among sections of the Ghanaian public, who saw him as a leading figure in efforts to hold the government accountable.

He became widely associated with exposing alleged cases of corruption and financial mismanagement, many of which involved millions of cedis and dollars in public funds.

On December 7, 2024, Ablakwa published a document on X titled 'Summary of 50 Scandals Exposed by the Parliamentary Oversight Conducted by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa'.

The document listed 50 issues he said he had investigated or exposed during his parliamentary oversight work.

Among the cases were the alleged $12.2 million inflated purchase of Ghana's Oslo Chancery, the COVID-19 airport testing arrangement involving Frontiers Healthcare Services, and President Akufo-Addo's use of private luxury jets for international travel.

He also listed investigations into the National Cathedral project, the alleged $108 million ambulance procurement scandal, the sale of SSNIT hotels, the Bank of Ghana's head office building and alleged irregularities in the procurement of digitalisation services in the health sector.

Other issues included the alleged GHS290 million Smart Workplace contract, the expenditure on the 13th All Africa Games and the alleged GHS191 million expenditure at the Presidency.

The list also featured the alleged $38.2 million visa processing scandal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the same ministry he would later be appointed to lead.

Ablakwa presented the document as a record of his work in holding the previous government accountable.

However, following his appointment as Foreign Affairs Minister, the spotlight has shifted to his own leadership and the activities of his ministry.

The passport scandal

One of the major controversies confronting Ablakwa is the alleged illegal issuance and sale of Ghanaian diplomatic and service passports to people who do not qualify for them.

In early November 2026, the Minority in Parliament raised concerns about what it described as a passport-for-sale scheme allegedly operating between 2023 and 2024.

The Minority claimed that about 300 Ghanaians had travelled to Europe and other destinations using diplomatic and service passports issued through questionable processes.

It further alleged that some of the beneficiaries did not work for or represent the public institutions listed on their passport documents.

The lawmakers also pointed to inconsistencies in documents submitted in support of some applications, including instances where individuals allegedly appeared under different senior positions in separate regional or district councils within days.

The allegations have raised questions about the ministry's passport issuance processes and the level of oversight exercised by its leadership.

The South Africa evacuation controversy

Another major issue facing Ablakwa is the controversy surrounding the evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa and the accounting for funds used for the exercise.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly spent about GH¢49.7 million on the evacuation of 1,964 Ghanaians.

Under the arrangement announced by the ministry, each evacuee was entitled to GH¢5,500, comprising GH¢5,000 for reintegration and GH¢500 for transportation.

However, questions have been raised about the difference between the amount reportedly spent and the money expected to have gone directly to the evacuees.

Investigative reports and concerns raised by the Minority have pointed to a financial gap estimated at between GH¢16.4 million and GH¢27.1 million, with questions about the documentation of some expenditure.

There have also been concerns about duplicate names in the beneficiary records. Media reports by JoyNews and audit reviews reportedly identified about 50 duplicate or possible duplicate entries, while some individuals allegedly disputed receiving the full amount they were entitled to.

Ablakwa has rejected claims of deliberate duplication and maintained that the expenditure can be accounted for. He has also called for an audit by the Auditor-General to examine the evacuation exercise.

From accuser to accused

The two controversies have put Ablakwa under pressure from the same political opposition he once challenged over alleged financial and administrative misconduct.

While his record in opposition was built largely around demanding explanations from government officials, he is now being asked to provide answers about the activities of his own ministry.

The contrast has made his position as Foreign Affairs Minister particularly challenging, especially given the reputation he built through his parliamentary oversight work.

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For a politician who once made exposing alleged government scandals a central part of his public identity, the current controversies present a major test of his commitment to accountability.

Whether the allegations will be substantiated or dismissed, Ablakwa is now facing the kind of public scrutiny he once demanded of others.

MAG/BAI

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