The vetting of Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, took an unexpected turn today as he addressed allegations that he had “smuggled” himself into the process.
Reacting to claims made by the Minority Leader in a press conference, Ablakwa firmly rejected the assertions, providing evidence to support his position.
“Mr. Chairman, before I render brief remarks about myself, I wish to seek your leave to make some preliminary remarks about the circumstances of yesterday.
I feel strongly about that because, on my way here, I listened to a press conference addressed by the respected Minority Leader. The press conference was carried live on Joy FM,” he stated.
The controversy erupted following Thursday’s vetting session, where the Minority Leader alleged that Ablakwa was not scheduled to appear but had forced his way in with the assistance of Majority members. This claim, widely circulated in the media, had sparked intense debate.
“After that press conference, I have been inundated with calls from the media. I heard myself very clearly—the Honorable Minority Leader say categorically, without equivocation, that I was not scheduled to be vetted yesterday and that I smuggled myself in with the help of my Majority colleagues,” Ablakwa said, visibly displeased.
He also expressed disappointment over the inclusion of his wife in the Minority Leader’s statement.
“He even brought in my beloved, beautiful, diligent, celebrated lawyer wife—she didn’t take it kindly either—and said that we smuggled ourselves here without invitation and that is the cause for the chaos.”
To counter these claims, Ablakwa presented an official document as proof of his scheduled vetting.
“I want to set the record straight, particularly based on that press conference and the subsequent calls from the media. I hold in my hands a formal invitation letter from this committee, signed by the Clerk of the Appointments Committee,” he declared.
