Madam Janet Nabla, the chairman of the People’s National Party, has asked President John Dramani Mahama to withdraw his nomination of North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as the foreign affairs minister-designate.
She says the nomination of the legislator ought to be revoked if he refuses to resign from the nomination.
According to her, the nominee has failed the credibility test and hence should not be given any ministerial position.
In submitting her reason for this request, she said the nominee withheld information about his assets.
Madam Nabla noted that as someone who had in the past put out information about others who allegedly appropriated state assets, he was required to be as candid in his responses to questions posed to him about his assets.
She accused him of misusing his parliamentary loans, saying the nominee diverted funds meant for purchasing four-wheel vehicles for MPs’ constituency work, instead acquiring saloon cars and a combine harvester for personal use.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the misallocation imposes an undue financial burden on taxpayers, who subsidise 60% of these loans.
“It is too early for us to be dragging this government on issues such as this, and so we are admonishing the President to withdraw his appointment with immediate effect. He was unable to provide any credible answer as to how he and his can afford to rent an apartment in the upscale Airport Hills area on an MP’s salary. He must be investigated so we will know how he was able to pay his rent.
We strongly believe Mr. Ablakwa is not fit to be nominated for the position as the minister-designate for the Foreign Affairs Ministry. His hands are unclean, and he has engaged in corrupt and corruption-related activities. We will term what he did as a corrupt act. He is not fit for the solution,” she added.
“This individual lacks the credibility to serve as Foreign Affairs Minister or Chairman of the Operation Recover All Loot Committee. Residing in Airport Hills, one of the country’s most expensive neighborhoods, raises concerns about his financial transparency. When questioned about his rent payments, he requested permission to ask his landlord first, implying potential concealment of information. It appears he may be hiding something, possibly being the owner of the facility under another person’s name. The Office of Special Prosecutor must investigate and uncover the truth.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
