Presidential jet saga: Ntim Fordjour demands Ablakwa’s resignation

Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament and Member of Parliament for Assin South, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has called for the immediate resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

His demand follows Ablakwa’s criticism of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo over the presidential jet controversy.

Rev Fordjour, who also served as a deputy Education Minister in the Akufo-Addo administration, insisted that Ablakwa must resign, apologise to the former president, and support efforts for the acquisition of a new presidential jet.

In a social media post on Monday, August 18, the Assin South lawmaker launched a scathing attack on the North Tongu MP, describing his position and that of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) as “petty politics” over an issue of national security.

“Mr Principle, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana, is expecting your resignation. NDC must apologise to Ghanaians and Prez Akufo-Addo for doing petty politics with presidential travels,” Rev Fordjour wrote.

He stressed that safety protocols surrounding the use of the presidential aircraft were too critical to be politicised, adding that the matter required a more pragmatic and responsible national conversation.

Rev Fordjour further urged government to act decisively by presenting a proposal to Parliament for the purchase of a new presidential aircraft, arguing that it was necessary to safeguard the security and dignity of the President during international assignments.

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“Govt must be bold to submit a proposal for the acquisition of a new Presidential Jet for the President’s safety,” he stated.

According to the Assin South MP, the safety of the Head of State should not be compromised under any circumstances. He emphasised that “national interest must override political point-scoring,” urging all parties to approach the issue with the urgency it demands.