Ghana’s evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following xenophobic attacks cost GH¢49.72 million, a figure that has sparked intense scrutiny ahead of a detailed examination on JoyNews’ Newsfile this Saturday, October 17. The programme will probe the breakdown of this expenditure alongside controversies over new Electoral Commission appointments, sexual abuse allegations at Obuasi Senior High Technical School, and a dismissed defamation suit involving Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that GH¢38.84 million covered chartered flights, air tickets, ground transport, feeding, accommodation, and medical care for evacuees. Another GH¢10.80 million went to reintegration support and transportation allowances. The government contributed GH¢33.72 million, with businessman Ibrahim Mahama’s company Engineers and Planners donating GH¢16 million.
The Minority in Parliament has demanded a detailed per-evacuee cost breakdown and accountability for the spending. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reportedly submitted a 200-page report after a Right to Information request. Ablakwa has called for an independent audit of evacuation exercises conducted by successive governments since 2017. Newsfile will scrutinise the documentation and the questions raised about the use of public funds.
Another topic will be the appointments of Dr Joseph Kwaku Asamoah and Emelia Afi Agbenyo as Deputy Chairpersons of the Electoral Commission by President John Dramani Mahama. Agbenyo’s previous role as an NDC manifesto spokesperson has raised concerns about political neutrality. The New Patriotic Party has urged the withdrawal of her appointment, citing perceived partisanship.
Minister of State Felix Kwakye Ofosu defended the appointments, arguing that institutional changes can address imbalances in state bodies. He referred to appointments made under the previous administration. The National Democratic Congress maintains that Agbenyo has the required qualifications and integrity. Newsfile will explore the standards expected of those overseeing elections and the political affiliations that may affect impartiality.
Sexual abuse allegations involving the headmaster of Obuasi Senior High Technical School, Zakaria Abdulai, and female students will also be discussed. Investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni reported that 16 students have come forward with allegations. The Ghana Education Service suspended Abdulai pending investigations.
Reports link Abdulai to the National Democratic Congress in Juaben, where he served as constituency secretary and sought the chairmanship. Some parents claim they have been pressured to withdraw complaints. Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights condemned the alleged abuse and called for swift action. Newsfile will examine the ongoing investigations and whether warning signs were overlooked.
The final issue will be the dismissal of a GH¢15 million defamation suit filed by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin against Ghana Gold Board CEO Sammy Gyamfi. The Accra High Court struck out the suit on October 14, ruling the writ of summons was “incurably defective and incompetent.” The decision hinged on procedural compliance with Order 57 Rule 2 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2004 (C.I. 47), which regulates defamation cases.
The court did not rule on whether Gyamfi’s remarks, made on Newsfile in August 2026 when he called Afenyo-Markin an “extortionist,” were defamatory. The programme will assess the implications of the ruling and whether Afenyo-Markin’s legal team intends to correct the defects and retry the case.
Newsfile airs Saturday, October 17, from 8:00am to 12:00 noon on Joy 99.7 FM, JoyNews, and other platforms.
According to Joy Online.
