The Minister nominee for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation has defended his call for National Democratic Congress (NDC) party members to position themselves at airports and land borders to prevent individuals from what he described as stealing from the public purse.

According to Samuel Nartey George, his call to action prevented the improper export of 17 pallets of gold at the Kotoka International Airport, thereby saving public funds.

He said this when he was questioned on his stance by Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin during his vetting by the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Thursday, January 30.

The Minister nominee for Communications, in a post on December 8, 2024, called on NDC members to “take positions at the airports and land borders,” stating that “none of those who have raped our nation's resources should be allowed to skip town.”

Dear Comrades,

Take positions at the airports and land borders. None of those who have raped our nation's resources should be allowed to skip town.

Those who have stolen the public purse MUST be made to account for every pesewa. Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) must swing into… pic.twitter.com/fiNTs1WaX4

— Sam 'Dzata' George (@samgeorgegh) December 8, 2024

He continued, “Those who have stolen from the public purse MUST be made to account for every pesewa. Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) must swing into full action.”

Following this, Mr Afenyo-Markin questioned the legality of the Ningo Prampram MP’s actions, suggesting they undermined the rightful duties of security officials.

Mr George argued that his call was based on constitutional provisions, specifically Article 41(f) of the Constitution, which outlines the duties of citizens.

He stated, “Mr Chairman, it is the vigilance of these comrades that stopped the export of 17 pallets of gold that were not properly labelled at the Kotoka International Airport.

"My call was a call to national duty. It was heeded and saved the public purse. I should be celebrated for that.”

However, the Majority Leader pushed back, stating that citizens' rights must be exercised through proper legal channels and by involving state security agencies responsible for border protection.