Ablakwa defends presidential jet oversight, says legacy was ‘for God and country’

Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has mounted a firm defence of his campaign against the use of luxury chartered flights by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, describing it as a proud legacy of parliamentary oversight carried out “for God and Country.”

In a lengthy statement released on Tuesday, Mr. Ablakwa said he had no regrets for leading what he called a “patriotic and noble oversight” role in Parliament between 2021 and 2024, when he repeatedly questioned the former President’s use of rented ultra-luxury jets at a cost of $18,000 an hour.

“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,” the MP stated.

Mr. Ablakwa drew comparisons with Mr. Akufo-Addo’s own record in opposition, pointing to a parliamentary debate on February 15, 2000, when the then-Ranking Member on Foreign Affairs opposed President Jerry Rawlings’ plan to acquire a new executive jet. He argued that the former President’s current supporters were being dishonest in vilifying him while ignoring Mr. Akufo-Addo’s earlier stance.

The opposition lawmaker also claimed vindication, noting that Mr. Akufo-Addo stopped hiring chartered jets from mid-2023 until he left office in January 2025, resorting instead to Ghana’s presidential jet purchased under President John Kufuor in 2008.

“For over 18 months until he left office, President Akufo-Addo relied exclusively on Ghana’s Presidential Jet. That confirms I wasn’t wrong when I insisted the aircraft was fit for purpose,” Mr. Ablakwa said.

He accused the previous administration of wasting over GHS120 million on chartered flights, while also citing what he described as “reckless expenditure” on projects such as the National Cathedral and inflated contracts.

Responding to calls that he should apologize or resign, the MP dismissed such demands as “comical,” insisting that many Ghanaians appreciated his sacrifices. “I owe no one an apology for leading this consequential oversight. This is a legacy I will forever cherish,” he said.

Mr. Ablakwa noted that President John Mahama’s government, now in office, would continue to steer the country with “truth, modesty, frugality and deep respect for the Ghanaian people.”