In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), political analyst and retired military officer Gen. Muhammadu Buhari raised serious concerns about the extensive funds spent by the Government of Ghana on Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, since 2021. According to Buhari, the government has allocated more than $4.2 million to cover Bagbin’s cancer treatment, luxurious travel expenses, and related costs.
Buhari’s claims come amidst increasing public scrutiny over government spending, particularly in regard to the high expenses associated with the Speaker’s travels. According to his statement, Bagbin has made over 25 international trips since taking office, with each trip costing the taxpayer an average of $170,000. These trips, according to reports, have been characterized by first-class flights, five-star hotel accommodations, and often the presence of Bagbin’s wife, domestic staff, and at times, additional individuals.
One of the most contentious examples highlighted by Buhari was a trip in which the Speaker reportedly ran his parliamentary duties from abroad for nearly a month, incurring a jaw-dropping $337,450 in expenses. Critics argue that such lavish expenditures are an unnecessary drain on the national coffers, especially when considering the country’s ongoing economic challenges.
The political analyst also expressed concerns over Bagbin’s recent trip to the United States, which occurred after parliament had adjourned for the year. According to Buhari, Bagbin received an award arranged by Member of Parliament for Madina, Francis Sosu, under questionable circumstances. Furthermore, Bagbin’s delegation, which included other parliamentary staff, traveled to Australia for the 67th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. Despite being physically present in Dubai at the time, the delegation allegedly failed to participate in any voting activities at the conference, raising further questions about the trip’s purpose and the funds allocated to it.
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