North Tongu MP and Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has questioned what he describes as a dramatic shift in former President Akufo-Addo’s stance on the acquisition and use of presidential jets.
Reflecting on parliamentary records, Ablakwa recalled that Akufo-Addo, then a Ranking Member in Parliament in 2000, had strongly opposed President Rawlings’ plans to acquire a new executive jet, insisting on principles of prioritization, prudence, value for money, and transparency. He however expressed concern that Akufo-Addo abandoned those very principles upon becoming President 17 years later.
“Former President Akufo-Addo didn’t think President Rawlings’ presidential jet acquisition should be exempt from the principles of prioritization, prudence, value for money and transparency — so what changed when he became President 17 years later? Why is Akufo-Addo’s conduct in 2000 commendable but my conduct between 2021 and 2024 condemnable?” Ablakwa asked.
He defended his oversight campaign against the charter of luxury jets during Akufo-Addo’s presidency, describing it as a patriotic duty to protect the public purse.
“Let me emphasize for the avoidance of doubt, I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever for leading a long-drawn-out successful patriotic campaign against former President Akufo-Addo’s unjustified, wasteful and extremely reckless ostentatious charter of ultra-luxury jets for US$18,000 an hour, particularly at a time Ghana’s presidential jet was available and in pristine condition,” he explained.
Ablakwa maintained that his actions were guided by national interest rather than personal or partisan motives.
“My oversight mandate was strictly inspired by the national interest and the patriotic objective of protecting the public purse — consistent with former President Akufo-Addo’s own eloquent pledge,” he said.
The legislator insisted that he owes no apologies for his role in challenging what he termed wasteful expenditure under Akufo-Addo’s leadership.
“I owe no one an apology for leading this consequential and noble oversight to protect taxpayers — I am confident the vast majority of Ghanaians are appreciative of my sacrifices — 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,” Ablakwa stressed.
… refused to use the presidential jet, other African presidents were happy to make good use of it;
12. It ought to be recalled that when I filed parliamentary questions on the status of Ghana’s Presidential Jet in June 2021, both the former Ministers of Defence and National… pic.twitter.com/wN0GvOla31
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) August 20, 2025
Source:Lovinghananews.com
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