In a recent session of Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has vehemently denied allegations that North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, earns a monthly salary of GH₵15,000.
Addressing the issue directly, Ayariga clarified that Ablakwa had never made such a claim, and stressed that MPs are fully aware of their true earnings, which are far below the disputed figure.
“Mr. Speaker, let me state categorically that Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa never said, at any point, that he earns GH₵15,000 a month. He never made such a statement.
All of us in this chamber know exactly how much we earn, and it is nowhere near GH₵15,000. So, to use that figure as a basis for any argument is simply unfounded. Let us stick to the facts when evaluating these matters,” Ayariga asserted.
The controversy stems from recent criticisms directed at Ablakwa by some members of the Minority, who have questioned his financial transparency.
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Ablakwa, who leads the Operation-Recover All Loot preparatory team, has faced scrutiny due to his residence in the high-end Airport Hills area, which is known for its upscale properties and steep rent prices.
During a February 2, 2025 interview on JoyNews, Effutu MP and Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, raised concerns about how Ablakwa could afford to rent a property in Airport Hills.
“Who in this country rents in Airport Hills? That place is for people who build it on their own. The covenant in the agreement is owner-occupation,” Afenyo-Markin remarked.
The issue gained further attention during a January 31, 2025, Appointments Committee sitting, where Afenyo-Markin directly questioned Ablakwa about the ownership of his Airport Hills residence.
Ablakwa clarified that he was merely a tenant and not the property owner.
Adding to the controversy, Old-Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah weighed in during a media interview, raising questions about Ablakwa’s ability to afford rent in such an exclusive area.
“The least rent payable in Airport Hills is US$15,000. If Okudzeto Ablakwa can afford that for eight years, then we should apologize to Madam Cecilia Dapaah for having US$1 million.
Otherwise, we are a nation of hypocrites,” Assafuah stated.
Ayariga’s firm rebuttal has added another dimension to the ongoing debate, with the issue continuing to stir discussion within Ghana’s political circles.
While critics persist in questioning Ablakwa’s financial dealings, his supporters argue that the focus should remain on his efforts to promote accountability and transparency in governance.
