Samuel OkudzetoAblakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, now stands at a crossroads between principle and political convenience. The recent revelation that Vice President Jane NaanaOpoku-Agyemang returned from the United Kingdom aboard a chartered flight has ignited a firestorm of criticism,one that Ablakwa, of all people, should have seen coming.
This is not merely about the cost of the Vice President’s travel, although chartering a flights when there are cheaper alternatives especially in a time when Ghanaians are grappling with power instability and many more other economic issues. Fact is, this issue runs deeper,it strikes at the heart of political integrity and the promises made to the Ghanaian people.
While in opposition, Mr. Ablakwa carved out a reputation as a fearless critic of government excess. He was especially vocal about the use of chartered flights for official government travel, portraying them as wasteful, elitist, and disconnected from the lived realities of ordinary citizens. He did not merely criticize,he made a vow.
“You were categorical in your vow,” Rev. John NtimFordjour reminded him this week. “You dared Ghanaians that you would immediately resign as Minister if your Presidency used a private jet in their regime.”
These are not the words of his critics; they are Ablakwa’s own, widely circulated and unequivocal. Now, with the Vice President’s chartered return flight exposed, the nation expects him to act, not out of political pressure, but out of the same principled stance he so fervently promoted.
It is easy to criticise from the sidelines, but governing requires tough decisions. Former President Akufo-Addo, too, faced criticism for similar travels, and Ablakwa was among the loudest voices demanding answers. To now stay silent, or worse, justify what he once condemned, would be the height of hypocrisy.
Supporters of the Vice President argue that the presidential jet is unfit for use. Defence Minister Dr. Edward OmaneBoamah claims the aircraft has been left to deteriorate, with even its fuel tank corroded. That may well be true, but it does not answer the fundamental question: was there a more prudent, less costly way to bring the Vice President home?
Member of Parliament Vincent EkowAssafuah rightly asked: why not first-class or business-class commercial travel? From London to Accra is a six-hour flight. Ghanaians, tightening their belts, deserve to see that those in leadership are doing the same, especially leaders who have built their careers on calling for fiscal discipline.
The Ghanaian Publisher does not seek to vilify Mr. Ablakwa. We acknowledge his past work in holding governments accountable. But with that moral high ground comes responsibility. If principles are only invoked when convenient, they are not principles at all, they are political tools.
The time has come for OkudzetoAblakwa to decide who he is: the principled politician who stands by his word, or just another public official who says what people want to hear until power changes hands.
Ghana deserves better. Integrity in public service must be more than rhetoric. If Ablakwa truly believes in the standards he once set, then there is only one honourable path forward.
