Politics

Ablakwa’s $38.2m Visa Allegations Misleading – Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has refuted claims made by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, regarding an alleged $38.2 million contract with Access Services Ghana Limited. Ablakwa had accused the Ministry of engaging in a questionable agreement with the company, which he claimed lacked experience and was awarded the contract without approval from the Public Procurement Authority.

He further alleged that the Ministry failed to secure parliamentary approval and raised concerns about the deal’s value for money.

In response, the Ministry issued a statement on Friday, October 18, categorically rejecting Ablakwa’s allegations, describing them as “largely incorrect” and “designed to mislead the public.”

“The attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has been drawn to online publications by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu Constituency, on the above-mentioned subject. The Ministry wishes to clarify that the facts as presented are largely incorrect and intended to mislead the public regarding the Ministry’s intent,” the statement read.

Ablakwa had claimed that Access Services Ghana Limited stood to earn $38.2 million by September 2028, while Ghana’s Foreign Ministry would only receive a mere $2 million. The Ministry rejected this assertion, calling it “grossly misleading.”

“The claim by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that, per his ‘conservative financial analysis,’ Access Services would generate $38.2 million between now and September 2028, while the Foreign Ministry would receive just $2 million, is grossly misleading,” the statement emphasized.

The Ministry clarified that Access Services Ghana Limited is contracted to provide premium visa application services, using its own facilities and staff for an agreed fee. These fees range from $45 to €55, depending on the country, with Ghanaian missions receiving a portion of £7, $7, or €7 from each transaction in their respective regions.

Additionally, the Ministry highlighted that these payments provide an additional revenue stream for Ghana’s missions abroad, countering Ablakwa’s claim that the missions would be left with insufficient funds.

The Ministry further noted that Access Services’ operations are in line with international practices for visa processing. Similar third-party companies, such as VFS Global and TLSContact, offer these services to embassies worldwide, including in Ghana, ensuring efficient visa processing and biometric data capture for travelers.

Source: MyABCLive.com, sourced from Citinewsroom.com

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