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Deputy Minister for Trade and Industry, Carlos Ahenkorah, on Tuesday locked horns with the Minority Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto in Parliament over alleged money charged expatriates who sat beside the President during the recent Ghana Expatriates Business Awards.

The near fisticuff occurred after the two met in a media interview on the matter, Tuesday, outside Parliament.

Mr Ablakwa described the alleged 'extortion' as "dubious, immoral and unethical". According to him, the Ministry of Trade and Industry is "using the Office of the President to extort money from expatriates”.

Carlos Ahenkorah who was fuming with rage, described Okudzeto Ablakwa as a 'thief' and a 'liar'; adding he has no moral right to accuse anyone of corruption.

"Where is the fact; what you are saying is only coming from your mind…Let him know that he is a thief; you have stolen through your life and you have even lied throughout your education..." he slammed.

Mr Ablakwa before walking out of the interview also remarked: “you can tell from the Minister’s attitude that he is clearly uncomfortable with this matter and he stands exposed… I think as a public officer he has to behave himself”.

Background

The Member of Parliament for Asawase, Alhaji Muntaka Mubarak was first to raise the allegation in Parliament last Friday, describing as illegal charges imposed on businesses by the trade ministry.

According to Alhaji Mubarak, the Trade Ministry allegedly collected US$ 100,000 from participants at the awards held on December 8, 2017 at the Movenpick Hotel in Accra.

The Minority Chief whip, referring to a letter dated October 23, 2017 and signed by the deputy Minister for Trade and Industry Carlos Ahenkorah asked business executives who would want to sit closer to the president to pay in excess of US$ 100,000.

But in a rebuttal, the trade ministry accused the MP of peddling falsehood and playing politics. (click to read)