Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies $38.2M contract with Access Services, denies Ablakwa's allegations

Oct 19, 2024 - 12:53

Oct 19, 2024 - 21:23

Foreign Affairs Ministry clarifies $38.2M contract with Access Services, denies Ablakwa's allegations

Shirley Ayokor Botchway is Ghana's Foreign Minister

Accra, Ghana - October 19, 2024 - Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a strong denial of allegations surrounding a $38.2 million agreement with Access Services Ghana Limited.

The controversy began when Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, claimed the Ministry signed a questionable contract with Access Services Ghana Limited to manage visa applications for diplomatic missions abroad.

Ablakwa raised concerns about the company's lack of track record and the contract's approval process, suggesting it bypassed the Public Procurement Authority. He also accused the Ministry of failing to obtain parliamentary approval, sparking worries about the contract's value for money.

However, the Ministry swiftly responded on October 18, labeling the allegations "largely incorrect and calculated to deliberately mislead the public." This rebuttal aims to clear the air and reassure the public about the Ministry's transparency and accountability.

“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 article purported to give details of an agreement between the Ministry and Access Services Ghana Limited (Access). The Ministry wishes to put across that the facts as purported in the said article are largely incorrect and calculated to deliberately mislead the public on the intent of the Ministry.”

The Ministry also described as grossly misleading claims that Access Citizens would be raking in about US$ 38.2 million between now and September 2028 while Ghana’s Foreign Ministry struggles to get a measly US$ 2 million out of that.

“The claim by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that per his “conservative financial analysis Access Citizens would be raking about US$ 38.2 million between now and September 2028 while Ghana’s Foreign Ministry struggles to get a measly US$ 2 million out of that” is grossly misleading.”

The Ministry explained that the agreement allows Access Services Ghana Limited to provide premium front-end visa application services using its facilities and personnel, for an agreed fee.

“The agreement with Access allows for the provision of premium front-end visa application services by the company with its own facilities and personnel at an agreed fee to the user of their service, varying from $45, $55, and €55 depending on the country, with the Missions involved receiving £7, $7, and €7 out of these fees in the respective currency zones.

“Thus, the amount Access pays to Ghana’s Missions abroad provides the Missions with an additional stream of revenue. This is contrary to the view held by Hon. Ablakwa that what Access pays to these Missions constitutes their only source of funds.”

The Ministry clarified that Access Services Ghana Limited provides services similar to those offered by VFS Global and TLSContact, which are utilized by Ghanaians traveling abroad. These services include handling visa applications and capturing biometric data for foreign embassies in Ghana .

Accordng to the Ministry, they act as third-party visa application centers, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Find the full statement below.