Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has publicly rejected calls for an apology following his vigorous opposition to the use of ultra-luxury private jets for presidential travel during the tenure of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Ablakwa asserted that his actions were grounded in patriotism and sound parliamentary oversight, emphasizing that he owes no one an apology.
The controversy erupted as critics, including media outlets and supporters of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), demanded Ablakwa’s resignation and an apology for his condemnation of the former president’s chartering of expensive jets. Some opposition voices have attributed former President John Mahama’s decision to travel commercially on recent trips to Ablakwa’s campaign against luxury jet hires.
Responding through a detailed statement on his official Facebook page, Ablakwa highlighted his pride in his role as the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs.
He strongly defended his legislative scrutiny of presidential travel expenses, underscoring that his position is unwavering and motivated solely by loyalty to Ghana and accountability in public office.
“I have absolutely no regrets whatsoever for leading a long-drawn-out successful patriotic campaign against former President Akufo-Addo’s unjustified, wasteful and extremely reckless ostentatious charter of ultra-luxury jets for US$18,000 an hour, particularly at a time Ghana’s presidential jet was available and in pristine condition.”
Ablakwa recounted a historical parallel, reminding the public that former President Akufo-Addo himself had opposed President Jerry Rawlings’ acquisition of an executive jet in 2000, questioning its priority and necessity.
“so what changed when he became President 17 years later? Why is Akufo-Addo’s conduct in 2000 commendable but my conduct between 2021 and 2024 condemnable?” Ablakwa asked.
He criticized those demanding his apology, pointing out their inability to replicate his commitment and oversight, humorously mentioning that many are now seeking his guidance to improve their parliamentary diligence.
He said, “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;
Ablakwa continued, “It is really comical that the very people demanding of me to apologize or resign are the same people trying so hard to emulate my actions — the overwhelming verdict by Ghanaians, however, is that, so far, the “wannabes” have been spectacularly disastrous. In all humility, I am now inundated with appeals from well-meaning Ghanaians asking that I urgently organize a workshop for the disgraced MPs.
“That is what happens when you are not motivated by truth, patriotism, diligence, principle, sincerity and the national interest,” he added.
He also refuted accusations that he campaigned to force former President Akufo-Addo to stop luxurious jet rentals, instead framing his actions as part of a broader effort to safeguard public funds.
Notably, Ablakwa praised former President Akufo-Addo for eventually relying exclusively on the state-owned presidential jet from mid-2023 until the end of his term in January 2025, signaling a positive shift he claims vindicates his stance.
Highlighting parliamentary confirmations from the Ministries of Defence and National Security, Ablakwa stressed that the state aircraft was maintained in excellent condition.
Further, Ablakwa connected this issue with broader concerns about government mismanagement, referencing expenditure on projects such as the cathedral pit and single-source contracts, suggesting that earlier heed to parliamentary oversight could have mitigated Ghana’s current financial challenges.
He disparaged attempts by opponents to downplay his criticisms as dishonest, accusing them of glossing over Akufo-Addo’s own historical opposition to wasteful government spending.
“The ridiculous attempts to equalize based on unscrupulous falsehoods in a futile effort at whitewashing President Akufo-Addo who ought to have remembered his fierce criticism of President Rawlings is not only insulting but has already failed. The intelligence of Ghanaians should not be underestimated;”
Concluding his statement, Ablakwa emphasized the importance of truthful, modest, and responsible governance, reaffirming the Mahama administration’s commitment to these values in resetting Ghana’s course.
He wrote, “And by the way, can someone inform the cacophonous illogical propagandists that there’s a world of difference between jets and helicopters;
“President Mahama’s government will continue to reset Ghana with truth, modesty, frugality and deep respect for the Ghanaian people.”
