We wash our hands off Ablakwa; he should carry his own cross – Minority

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has reaffirmed his caucus’ opposition to the nomination of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa as Foreign Affairs Minister.

Despite the Minority’s boycott, Ablakwa, the North Tongu MP, was approved on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, by a majority decision through a voice vote.

Explaining their decision, Afenyo-Markin, the MP for Effutu, pointed to the nominee’s failure to provide key documents requested by the Appointments Committee regarding his earnings and assets.

“Mr. Speaker, the nominee has only submitted two out of the nine documents required by the Committee. We believe that anyone who seeks fairness must also demonstrate integrity,” he stated.

He criticized Ablakwa for holding others accountable while failing to meet the same standard himself.

“He has made a name for himself by scrutinizing public officials, questioning their sources of income. If you demand transparency from others, you must be willing to uphold the same level of accountability,” Afenyo-Markin added.

The Minority Leader further accused Ablakwa of inconsistencies, particularly regarding his scrutiny of individuals’ travel records and birth certificates.

While emphasizing that he had no personal vendetta against Ablakwa or his political career, Afenyo-Markin insisted that the Minority would not be associated with his approval.

“We have distanced ourselves from this decision. Any wrongdoings in Airport Hills, we are not involved. He must bear his own burden. If he chooses to change his ways, we will welcome him—‘Awaawaa atoo,’” he concluded.