Grace Zigah
The political storm over the presidential jet has taken a new turn, with North Tongu Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, declaring that he owes “absolutely no one an apology” for his longstanding campaign against what he calls the “reckless and wasteful” use of luxury chartered flights under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Speaking in response to growing criticism — especially in the wake of President John Dramani Mahama’s recent 22-hour layover in Dubai en route to Japan — Okudzeto Ablakwa defended his record, insisting his oversight role in Parliament was patriotic, consistent, and grounded in the national interest.
Ablakwa’s Legacy of Oversight
Ablakwa, who once served as Ranking Member on the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, rose to prominence between 2021 and 2024 for exposing Nana Akufo-Addo’s frequent use of rented aircraft, some costing as much as $18,000 per hour.
According to the minister, these charters drained more than GHS 120 million from the public purse at a time when Ghana’s own Dassault Falcon 900EX, purchased by President John Agyekum Kufuor in 2008 for $37 million, remained fully operational.
“I owe no one an apology for leading this consequential and noble oversight to protect taxpayers,” Ablakwa wrote in a lengthy rejoinder.
“This is a legacy I will forever cherish. I did it in good conscience for my country and not for the praises of those who cannot look beyond their stomachs.”
He also reminded his critics that Nana Akufo-Addo himself, as far back as February 2000, had vigorously opposed former President Jerry John Rawlings’ plans to purchase a new executive jet, arguing then that such expenditure was not a national priority.
“Why was his conduct commendable in 2000, but mine condemnable in 2021?” Okudzeto Ablakwa questioned.
The Mahama Controversy
The renewed debate was triggered by revelations that President Mahama, now back in office, was forced to endure a 22-hour stopover in Dubai before catching a commercial Emirates flight to Tokyo for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX).
The spectacle of the president stranded in a foreign airport has fueled both ridicule and concern, with some questioning whether the government’s reluctance to use or acquire a new presidential aircraft has undermined the dignity of the presidency.
John Mahama eventually arrived in Tokyo aboard Emirates flight EK318 before taking a two-and-a-half-hour train ride to Yokohama, where the conference was held.
Political Accusations of Hypocrisy
The incident quickly turned into a political football. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo, alleged that Mahama had secretly chartered a private jet, a claim later debunked when flight records confirmed he traveled on a commercial carrier.
Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe fired back at Assafuah, calling his claim a “diabolic lie,” while pointing out that Mahama had been seen live on television in Accra hours after the alleged private jet had departed.
Yet, the controversy has drawn fresh scrutiny on Ablakwa. Once the fiercest critic of Akufo-Addo’s air travels, he now faces accusations of silence and double standards.
“Okudzeto Ablakwa built his brand on accountability,” argued John Ntim Fordjour, MP for Assin South. “Today, he is in Cabinet and silent while the President suffers layovers abroad. This is hypocrisy.”
Critics also pointed to Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s recent return from a medical trip aboard a chartered VistaJet, which went unaddressed by Ablakwa.
Ablakwa’s Rebuttal
Unfazed by the backlash, Okudzeto Ablakwa doubled down, saying he had been vindicated when Nana Akufo-Addo abandoned chartered flights in his final 18 months in office and relied exclusively on the Falcon 900EX.
He credited the public outcry and his persistent advocacy for forcing that change, though others argue Ghana’s bankruptcy and the subsequent $3 billion IMF bailout left the government with no choice.
He dismissed attempts to equate Mahama’s current travels with Nana Akufo-Addo’s past luxury charters, saying, “There is a world of difference between jets and helicopters. The intelligence of Ghanaians should not be underestimated.”
Should Ghana Buy a New Jet?
The debate has now shifted to whether Ghana should consider purchasing a new presidential aircraft.
Supporters argue that the President’s security, dignity, and efficiency should not be compromised. Critics counter that such spending would be tone-deaf given the country’s fragile economy.
For many, however, the issue is no longer just about aircraft. It is about credibility, consistency, and whether the leaders can rise above propaganda to ensure the nation’s interests come first.
