Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has voiced strong criticism against Pius Hadzide, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman, following remarks Hadzide made about facilitating travel for constituents to the United States.
Ablakwa took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his concerns, describing Hadzide’s comments as emblematic of deeper issues within the current administration.
In his post, Ablakwa highlighted four key takeaways from what he referred to as the “disgraceful Pius Hadzide saga.”
He emphasized that corrupt officials, once cleared of wrongdoing, often become emboldened to commit further crimes.
“When a President clears his corrupt appointees, they will surely expose him,” Ablakwa remarked, suggesting that Hadzide’s actions could result in damaging consequences for Ghana’s international reputation.
Ablakwa also drew attention to the broader implications of Hadzide’s statements, particularly the impact on Ghanaians applying for visas.
“Embassies are keenly following these reckless confessions from corrupt NPP officials,” he wrote, cautioning that genuine applicants may face increased scrutiny due to the “criminal visa racketeering” allegedly promoted by the ruling party.
The controversy stems from a campaign promise made by Hadzide at a recent event, where he assured supporters that if elected, he would leverage his connections to help young people travel abroad for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
“If you, Nananom, desire for your children to travel to America to work and send money back home… I promise to support you when I become MP,” Hadzide said, also promising similar opportunities to destinations such as Germany, the UK, and France.
Despite backlash, Hadzide has defended his remarks, stating that there is nothing wrong with offering such opportunities to his constituents. He pointed to his experience in the sports sector, claiming that it equips him to facilitate international travel for young people.
Ablakwa, however, criticized the NPP candidate’s statements as emblematic of the government’s failures.
“As CEO of the National Youth Authority under the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, he confirms openly and unashamedly that they have no solutions to the misery, joblessness, and hopelessness they have created for the Ghanaian youth,” Ablakwa wrote.
The North Tongu MP concluded his post with a call for change in the upcoming elections: “How did Ghana get here? December 7 must come quickly!”
As the debate unfolds, Hadzide’s promises have raised questions about the responsibilities and boundaries of campaign pledges, particularly in light of the visa-related concerns voiced by critics like Ablakwa.