The recent return of Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang from a two-month medical leave in the United Kingdom has sparked controversy and calls for resignation, particularly directed at Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The crux of the matter lies in the Vice President’s use of a privately chartered Vistajet for her return journey, a mode of transportation that has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) due to its perceived extravagance, especially given the prevailing economic challenges faced by Ghanaians. The NPP estimates the cost of the chartered flight to be upwards of $170,000, a figure they deem excessive and irresponsible.
This controversy is further fueled by Ablakwa’s own past pronouncements on the issue of presidential travel expenses. During his time in opposition, Ablakwa, then a Member of Parliament for North Tongu, was a vocal critic of former President Akufo-Addo’s frequent use of private jets. He consistently condemned what he described as lavish spending on presidential travel at a time when ordinary Ghanaians were grappling with economic hardship. Ablakwa’s criticism wasn’t merely rhetorical; he went as far as publicly vowing to resign from any future government, including one formed by his own party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), should the president or vice president resort to using private jets, citing the need to protect the public purse.
Now, with the NDC in power and the Vice President’s use of a private jet becoming public knowledge, Ablakwa finds himself facing intense scrutiny and pressure to live up to his previous commitments. His past statements, particularly his emphatic declaration on Accra-based Adom FM’s Burning Issues program in July 2022, have resurfaced and are being used against him. His critics, primarily from the NPP, are demanding that he demonstrate consistency and integrity by resigning from his current ministerial position. They argue that his continued presence in government, despite the Vice President’s actions, would represent a betrayal of his own principles and a disregard for the austerity measures he previously championed.
Lawyer Kow Essuman, former legal counsel to ex-President Akufo-Addo, has publicly questioned Ablakwa’s stance, challenging him directly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Essuman’s post, aimed at highlighting the apparent contradiction between Ablakwa’s words and the current situation, has further amplified the calls for his resignation. The post essentially asks whether Ablakwa will uphold his previously stated principles or if he will choose to remain in office, thereby undermining his own credibility. This direct challenge from a prominent figure associated with the opposing party has further intensified the pressure on Ablakwa.
Adding to the chorus of voices calling for Ablakwa’s resignation is Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Member of Parliament for Assin South. Fordjour has echoed Essuman’s sentiments, urging Ablakwa to demonstrate principled leadership by stepping down. He argues that Ablakwa’s resignation would not only be a testament to his personal integrity but would also set a precedent for accountability within the government. Fordjour’s call underscores the broader implications of this controversy, which extends beyond a personal dilemma for Ablakwa and touches upon the wider issue of public trust and ethical conduct in government.
This controversy presents a significant test for Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, forcing him to reconcile his past pronouncements with the current political reality. His decision, whether to resign or remain in office, will have far-reaching consequences, impacting not only his own political career but also shaping public perception of his integrity and the NDC government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. The situation has become a focal point of political debate, highlighting the complex interplay between political rhetoric, personal convictions, and the demands of public office. The public awaits Ablakwa’s response, which will undoubtedly carry significant weight in shaping the narrative surrounding this controversy.
