Ablakwa Weighs In on Presidential Jet Discussions: "Let's Sell it, If It's Not Fit for Purpose"
- Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reportedly said that Ghana could buy a new presidential jet if the current one is outdated
- His comments come amid renewed concerns following a helicopter crash that killed eight, including two ministers
- Critics claimed Ablakwa opposed a similar move under Akufo-Addo, but he insists he acted to protect taxpayers
Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has weighed in on the discussion surrounding Ghana's presidential jet.
Responding to questions from the media at the Government Accountability Series on Monday, September 15, 2025, Okudzeto Ablakwa suggested that the country could purchase a new presidential jet if the existing one was found to have outlived its purpose.
Source: Facebook
"If the presidential jet is not fit for purpose, let's sell it and purchase another," he reportedly said.
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Controversy surrounding Ghana's presidential jet
The discussions surrounding the purchase of a new presidential jet heightened after the unfortunate military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians, including two ministers of state.
The presidential jet controversy mainly centres on the reliability, safety, and the growing concern about the cost of presidential travels.
Former President Nana Akufo-Addo came under intense criticism for hiring a private jet for his presidential travels.
Okudzeto Ablakwa, then the Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Parliament, labelled President Akufo-Addo's use of the private jet as a waste of taxpayers' money.
The then Minister for Defence, Dominic Nitiwul, explained that the president relied on the private jet for his travels because the state's aircraft was not fit for purpose.
However, Okudzeto Ablakwa dismissed the minister's explanation, insisting that the aircraft was in a pristine condition.
Okudzeto Ablakwa urged to apologise to Akufo-Addo
Some Ghanaians believed that a new presidential jet would have been purchased during former President Akufo-Addo's era, save for the fiercest opposition he got from Mr Ablakwa and some members of the National Democratic Congress.
As a result of this, they called on the Foreign Affairs Minister to either apologise to the former president or resign from his job.
Okudzeto Ablakwa, however, said he owed no one an apology for performing his parliamentary oversight role.
"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," he said.
Ghanaians react to Ablakwa's presidential jet comments
Ghanaians on social media have shared their views on Okudzeto Ablakwa's comments on the presidential jet debate.
YEN.com.gh compiled a few of the reactions below:
@Razac Mohammed said:
"The truth is, we deserve a new jet for real!! But coming from u, Ablakwa?"
@Kansuk Jnr also said:
"Your own shadow is chasing you."
@Ibrahim Babangida Bil Haq commented:
"No, we can't waste taxpayers' sweat like that; let's use it like that, since you declared it airworthy not too long ago."
Source: Facebook
Diana Asamoah asks Okudzeto Ablakwa to resign
Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian gospel musician, Diana Asamoah, shared her opinions about the rumours that John Mahama had used a private jet for his international trip.
The musician referenced Okudzeto Ablakwa's past vow to resign if the president ever used a private jet for his trips abroad.
Her comments sparked reactions among netizens, who were divided on the trending topic of the usage and maintenance of the presidential aircraft in Ghana.
Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
