Former Deputy Minister of Education and current Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has called on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to resign immediately following reports that Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang returned to Ghana aboard a private jet.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Ntim Fordjour referred to Ablakwa’s vocal criticisms—made while in opposition—against the use of private jets by government officials, urging him to now stand by those same standards.
“Okudzeto Ablakwa… do the noble thing and resign with immediate effect,” Fordjour wrote. “You hang yourself with your words!”
Ablakwa, during his time in opposition, gained prominence for strongly opposing the use of private jets for presidential and vice-presidential travel, describing such practices as wasteful and extravagant. He frequently published cost analyses and raised concerns over the financial burden on the state.
Ntim Fordjour described those past remarks as “populist stunts” that resonated with the public but ignored the practical realities of state duties. He accused Ablakwa of hypocrisy, recalling that the now-Minister had once vowed to resign if his administration resorted to using private jets.
“You were categorical in your vow. You dared Ghanaians that you would immediately resign as Minister if your Presidency used a private jet in their regime,” Fordjour stated.
He argued that the Vice President’s recent travel—allegedly funded by public money—was a direct contradiction of Ablakwa’s previously stated principles.
“Be a man of PRINCIPLES and RESIGN!” he declared, while also clarifying that using a private jet is not necessarily inappropriate, especially when the official presidential aircraft is unavailable.
As of the time of reporting, Minister Ablakwa has not issued a public response to the resignation call. The matter has, however, ignited political debate and renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and the cost of governance.
