The Presidential Jet Debate: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Defends His Legacy and Calls Out Hypocrisy
The long-standing debate over Ghana’s Presidential Jet continues to dominate the political and public discourse. Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu and former Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs, has once again defended his oversight on presidential travels, insisting that his position was always guided by truth, patriotism, and the protection of taxpayers’ money.
In a powerful statement posted on his official Facebook page, Ablakwa outlined his legacy in leading a campaign against what he described as the “wasteful and reckless” chartering of ultra-luxury jets by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. Below are the key highlights of his position and why he believes history has vindicated him.
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A Legacy of Parliamentary Oversight
According to Hon. Ablakwa, his scrutiny of presidential travels as Ranking Member remains one of his proudest moments in Parliament. He emphasized that his fight was never personal but rooted in a principled commitment to God and Country.
He drew a striking comparison between his oversight role and former President Akufo-Addo’s own record in Parliament in February 2000, when Akufo-Addo strongly opposed President Rawlings’ decision to purchase a new executive jet. Ablakwa questioned why Akufo-Addo’s stance was hailed as noble in 2000, yet his own similar position between 2021–2024 attracted vilification.
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The Cost of Luxury Charter Flights
Ablakwa described Akufo-Addo’s choice to charter ultra-luxury executive jets at $18,000 per hour as reckless and unjustified, especially since Ghana’s Presidential Jet was in excellent condition.
“I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever for leading this patriotic campaign. My oversight mandate was strictly inspired by the national interest and the objective of protecting the public purse.” – Hon. Ablakwa
He revealed that between 2021 and mid-2023, Ghana lost over GHS120 million to these charters — money he believes could have been better invested in addressing economic challenges.
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Vindication and a Change of Course
One of the strongest points in Ablakwa’s defense is that Akufo-Addo eventually abandoned luxury charters in the latter half of 2023 until the end of his presidency in January 2025. For over 18 months, the President exclusively used the Presidential Jet.
This, according to Ablakwa, vindicates his position that the jet — purchased under President Kufuor in 2008 and used effectively by Presidents Mills and Mahama — was “fit for purpose.”
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Lessons on Frugality and Leadership
Ablakwa noted that leaders of countries Ghana currently owes money to do not charter luxury planes when their presidential jets are available. Many even reimburse taxpayers if they use state aircraft for private or campaign purposes.
He argued that had the Akufo-Addo administration prioritized prudence, transparency, and value for money, Ghana could have avoided bankruptcy, the $3 billion IMF bailout, and the painful financial haircuts citizens endured.
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Addressing False Narratives
The North Tongu MP dismissed what he called “dishonest propaganda” aimed at equalizing the debate and painting him as hypocritical. He reminded Ghanaians that even former Defence and National Security Ministers confirmed in Parliament that the jet was airworthy — with the only complaint being that it lacked a shower.
Ablakwa added humorously that the same critics calling for his resignation are ironically trying to emulate his oversight style, but with “spectacularly disastrous” results.
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For God and Country
Ablakwa ended his statement with a strong reaffirmation of his values:
• He owes no one an apology for his oversight.
• His campaign saved taxpayers millions.
• His motivation was never for praise but for the national interest.
He stressed that President Mahama’s future government would continue to reset Ghana with truth, modesty, and frugality, unlike what he described as the waste and profligacy under Akufo-Addo.
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Conclusion
The Presidential Jet Debate is more than a partisan issue — it is about how leaders manage national resources. Hon. Ablakwa’s statement has reignited discussions on accountability, prioritization, and the importance of protecting Ghana’s public purse.
Whether one agrees with him or not, his role in pushing for frugality in presidential travels remains one of the most defining episodes in Ghana’s recent political history.
