Ablakwa Defends Mahama’s Use of Commercial Flights for International Trips
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to travel on commercial flights during his recent two-nation working visit to Japan and Singapore, while Ghana’s presidential jet is undergoing servicing in France.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Ablakwa explained that the President was comfortable with the arrangement and did not see it as unusual.
“President John Dramani Mahama has not complained that he’s worried about flying commercial. He will not be the first to do that. Most of our Presidents did that, particularly when presidential jets were not available,” he noted.
Addressing concerns about costs, the Minister stressed that commercial flights were far more economical compared to the alternative of private charters.
“Absolutely. If you look at what former President Akufo-Addo was spending on private charters an hour, and all the costs that come with it, it is nowhere near. This discussion should be situated in protecting the public purse,” Ablakwa said.
He emphasised that the President’s choice of travel reflected prudence and a firm commitment to safeguarding national resources.
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