North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has accused his critics in the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) and on Parliament's Appointments Committee of cowardice.

The Foreign Affairs Minister-designate and Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) Chairman appeared before the committee on Friday, January 31, 2025, for vetting. For about 4 hours, the NPP Minority Leader and Co-Chair on the committee, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, subjected him to grilling.

During the heated vetting, the Ablakwa and Afenyo-Markin had what can best be described as an accountability duel. 

Ablakwa brought up a controversial 99-year lease for a land acquired by Afenyo-Markin in Winneba.

In a post-vetting presser, Afenyo-Markin doubled down on his questioning of how Ablakwa serviced the dollar rent for his home at the plush Airport Hills community in Accra.

On Monday, February 3, Ablakwa wrote on Facebook, asserting he was innocent of all allegations of corruption, and noting he was unafraid and ever-ready to face his critics with answers.

"They had every opportunity when I appeared before them for vetting but they chose to ran away," he said.

"They had every opportunity when they were in power for 8 years to have me prosecuted but they failed because there was nothing they could find.

"Now they have resorted to desperate smear press conferences and infantile fabrications."

Ablakwa said, "If they want a second round of vetting, I am ready for them."

He asserted he was being persecuted because of his conviction to protect state funds and foster accountability.

"It is not a crime for a Member of Parliament to patriotically and diligently seek the protection of public resources and state assets pursuant to our constitutional mandate of oversight," he said.

"Those on the side of truth and justice can never be intimidated."

He underlined his resolved, saying: "I shall remain focused on President Mahama’s exciting reset innovations which we are on the verge of implementing at the Foreign Ministry.

"For God and Country. Ghana First."