Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has issued strong condemnation of Pius Hadzide, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Asuogyaman, following controversial statements made by Hadzide regarding travel opportunities for constituents.
Ablakwa, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), criticized Hadzide’s promise to facilitate international travel for constituents if elected, describing it as a dangerous reflection of deeper issues within the current government.
In his post, Ablakwa laid out four key criticisms of what he termed the “disgraceful Pius Hadzide saga,” focusing on what he sees as the normalization of corrupt practices. He argued that cleared appointees in the NPP administration, like Hadzide, often become emboldened to commit further offenses.
“When a President clears his corrupt appointees, they will surely expose him,” Ablakwa said, implying that Hadzide’s actions and promises could have lasting consequences on Ghana’s image internationally.
Ablakwa also raised concerns about the potential impact of Hadzide’s statements on Ghanaian visa applicants. According to the MP, Hadzide’s remarks about helping constituents travel abroad may lead to increased scrutiny of Ghanaians applying for visas, as foreign embassies may view these promises with suspicion.
“Embassies are keenly following these reckless confessions from corrupt NPP officials,” Ablakwa wrote, warning that genuine applicants could face additional barriers due to the alleged “criminal visa racketeering” being promoted by the ruling party.
The controversy surrounding Hadzide began after a campaign event in which he promised voters he would use his connections to help young people travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup if elected. Hadzide’s assurances also extended to facilitating travel to other countries, including Germany, the UK, and France.
“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 told his supporters.
Despite the backlash, Hadzide has defended his statements, arguing that offering such opportunities to constituents is a legitimate campaign pledge. He pointed to his experience in the sports sector as a qualification that would allow him to help young Ghanaians travel abroad for major sporting events.
Ablakwa, however, was unconvinced, stating that Hadzide’s remarks highlight the government’s inability to address the root causes of youth unemployment and economic hardship.
“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 stated.
He concluded his post with a call for a change in leadership, expressing his frustration with the current administration’s handling of these issues. “How did Ghana get here? December 7 must come quickly!” he added, referring to the date of the next general elections.