Ablakwa Defends Presidential Jet Oversight, Slams Akufo-Addo Era ‘Hypocrisy’

Foreign Affairs Minister and North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has robustly defended his campaign against former President Nana Akufo-Addo’s use of luxury private jets, dismissing calls for his resignation or apology as “comical” and accusing critics of attempting to whitewash Akufo-Addo’s record. In a detailed statement posted on social media on August 20, 2025, Ablakwa described his parliamentary oversight as a “proud legacy” driven by patriotism and a commitment to protecting Ghana’s public purse.

Ablakwa’s remarks come amid renewed debate over the need for a new presidential jet, sparked by a tragic helicopter crash in July 2025 that claimed eight lives, prompting critics to revisit his opposition to Akufo-Addo’s jet acquisition plans. The minister, who led a high-profile campaign against Akufo-Addo’s chartering of ultra-luxury jets costing $18,000 per hour, maintained that his actions were justified, particularly as Ghana’s existing presidential jet, purchased in 2008 under President Kufuor, was in pristine condition.

Drawing a historical parallel, Ablakwa highlighted Akufo-Addo’s own opposition to a presidential jet acquisition in 2000 as a Ranking Member of Parliament. Citing the Parliamentary Hansard of February 15, 2000, he noted that Akufo-Addo had argued against President Rawlings’ plans, emphasizing prioritization, prudence, and transparency. “Former President Akufo-Addo didn’t think Rawlings’ jet acquisition should be exempt from scrutiny, so what changed when he became President 17 years later?” Ablakwa questioned, challenging what he called a “dramatic shift” in Akufo-Addo’s stance.

Ablakwa’s campaign, which began in 2021, exposed Akufo-Addo’s use of chartered jets, including a $2.8 million expenditure for trips to South Africa and France. He argued that these costs were unjustifiable given the availability of the Dassault Falcon 900 EXE, which was used by Presidents Mills and Mahama without issue. His persistent oversight, including parliamentary questions and public demonstrations, culminated in Akufo-Addo abandoning luxury charters from mid-2023 until the end of his tenure in January 2025, opting instead for the presidential jet.

Critics, including former Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong and Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee, have called for Ablakwa to apologize or resign, accusing him of politicizing the issue and obstructing a necessary jet acquisition. Agyapong linked the debate to the recent helicopter crash, arguing that a new jet could have prevented such tragedies. Fordjour criticized Ablakwa’s stance as “petty politics,” urging him to support a new jet for national interest.

Ablakwa rejected these demands, asserting that his actions saved taxpayers millions and were supported by many Ghanaians. “I owe no one an apology for leading this consequential and noble oversight,” he stated, emphasizing that his campaign was not partisan but inspired by national interest. He also refuted claims linking his oversight to current President John Mahama’s alleged use of a private jet for a recent Japan trip, calling such comparisons “ridiculous attempts to equalize based on unscrupulous falsehoods.”

The minister further tied Akufo-Addo’s jet rentals to broader fiscal mismanagement, citing the $97 million spent on the stalled National Cathedral project and Ghana’s $3 billion IMF bailout as evidence of economic strain. He praised the Mahama administration’s commitment to “modest governance” and fiscal discipline, pledging continued accountability.

Public sentiment on social media remains divided. Some users praised Ablakwa’s vigilance, with one stating, “The NPP started the jet politics, but now they’re upset because Ablakwa stopped wasteful spending.” Others accused him of hypocrisy, referencing his alleged pledge to resign if Mahama used a private jet.

As the debate continues, Ablakwa remains steadfast, vowing that his principled stance “has not changed and will not change” for the sake of “God and Country.” The issue is expected to remain a focal point as Ghana navigates discussions on presidential travel and fiscal responsibility.