The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reaffirmed his unwavering stance on the issue of presidential travels, asserting that his principles remain unchanged despite his recent elevation to Cabinet rank.
Addressing a wave of recent criticisms, Mr. Ablakwa explained that his persistent parliamentary oversight on presidential travel expenses has always been anchored in the values of accountability, transparency, and safeguarding the public purse. “My principled position has not changed and will not change. It has always been for God and Country,” he declared.
Mr. Ablakwa drew historical parallels to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s actions in Parliament in February 2000. At the time, Akufo-Addo, then Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs, opposed President Jerry John Rawlings’ plans to acquire a new executive jet, citing prudence and prioritisation.
Ablakwa questioned why Akufo-Addo’s arguments were celebrated then, yet his own scrutiny of the former president’s decision to charter luxury jets at a rate of US$18,000 per hour has been condemned.
Undeterred by criticism, Mr. Ablakwa asserted he had no regrets about leading what he described as a “successful patriotic campaign” against what he labeled wasteful and unjustified expenditures—especially since Ghana’s presidential jet remained in excellent condition throughout. He also highlighted that from mid-2023 until the end of his term in January 2025, former President Akufo-Addo consistently opted to hire luxury jets, effectively abandoning the presidential aircraft—a decision which Ablakwa believes vindicates his position.
Further, the Foreign Affairs Minister criticised attempts to “whitewash” what he described as reckless spending by the previous administration, referencing the expensive chartered flights, the US$97 million cathedral project, and other questionable contracts as factors that contributed to Ghana’s mounting debt and eventual reliance on an IMF bailout.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ablakwa pledged that the new administration under President John Mahama would reset the tone of governance by prioritising truth, modesty, and frugality, aiming to restore public trust and ensure responsible stewardship of national resources.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
