The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has once again brought to light alleged actions by government officials approving significant increases in allowances, despite calls for financial austerity due to prevailing economic challenges.

Mr. Ablakwa in a recent Facebook post said he has obtained memos from the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) indicating that the board and management under Freddie Blay's leadership have hiked their allowances by as much as 150%.

This move, he claims, contradicts the government's assurances to Parliament of a general pay-cut in light of the economic crisis.

Mr. Ablakwa revealed that allowances for daily hotel rates have surged from $400 to $1000, Euros, or Pounds depending on the travel destination. Similarly, per diems for the Board Chairman have risen from $500 to $850, and from $500 to $700 for the CEO and other board members, also in foreign currencies corresponding to the travel destination.

Describing the situation as "depressing," Mr. Ablakwa highlighted additional memos requesting doubling the CEO's salary.

He expressed frustration, citing sources within the organisation who are reportedly displeased with what they perceive as favoritism towards the CEO, Mr. Opoku Ahweneeh Danquah, who happens to be President Akufo-Addo’s nephew.

Mr. Ablakwa condemned these actions as a betrayal of the Ghanaian people and a display of gross insensitivity.

He hinted at proposing new private member's legislation to regulate the discretionary powers of boards and CEOs of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in determining their salaries and allowances without parliamentary approval, particularly amidst mismanagement and substantial losses in many SOEs.