Ablakwa denies involvement in awarding $5.2m embassy renovation contract in Benin

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has denied allegations that he awarded a US$5.2 million contract for the renovation of Ghana’s embassy in Benin, urging the public to treat such claims with disdain.

In a statement released on his official Facebook page, Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that no such contract had been awarded during his tenure.

“To set the record straight, I have not awarded any contract for the renovation of an embassy anywhere in the world. Let me be clear – not a single contract for the renovation or construction of an embassy has been awarded by me since I assumed the role of Foreign Minister,” he stated.

Mr. Ablakwa explained that, contrary to the allegations, he has taken measures to protect public funds by cancelling questionable contracts he inherited.

“In fact, I have protected taxpayers by cancelling a $3.5 million single-source midnight contract to renovate our embassy in Abidjan, which was awarded on November 7, 2024,” he revealed.

The Foreign Minister assured Ghanaians that he remains committed to responsible management of public resources while working with integrity to deliver on President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda.”

“I will never betray the trust of the Ghanaian people as we work tirelessly to achieve President Mahama’s Reset Agenda with integrity,” he affirmed.