Ablakwa asked to resign over Opoku Agyemang’s private jet use

The political atmosphere in Ghana is heating up again, and this time it’s a face-off between two outspoken Members of Parliament—Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, former Deputy Minister of Education and Ranking Member on Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, and Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the current Minister for Foreign Affairs and MP for North Tongu.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour is demanding that Hon. Ablakwa resign immediately following reports that Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang flew back to Ghana aboard a private jet, possibly funded by the state.

“You Hung Yourself With Your Own Words” – Ntim Fordjour

In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Rev. Fordjour didn’t mince words. He quoted Ablakwa’s own past statements about the use of private jets and held him to those same standards.

“Okudzeto Ablakwa… do the noble thing and resign with immediate effect. You hung yourself with your words!” he wrote.

Ntim Fordjour reminded the public how, during the NPP administration, Ablakwa was very vocal about presidential and vice-presidential travels, often criticising the use of private jets as wasteful and inappropriate, especially when the presidential jet was still in good condition.

Ablakwa’s History of Criticism on Private Jet Use

When Ablakwa was in opposition, he gained popularity by publishing details of travel costs for government officials. In many cases, he accused the then-President and Vice President of lavish spending, especially when they used private jets for international trips.

He even pledged at the time that if his party ever came into power and allowed such practices, he would resign immediately because it went against his principles and everything he had been fighting against.

Those statements made him a hero in the eyes of many Ghanaians who were tired of government extravagance in the face of hardship.

Ntim Fordjour: “Be a Man of Principles and Resign!”

Now, Rev. Fordjour says it’s time for Hon. Ablakwa to live by his words. He insists that since Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang used a private jet—allegedly paid for with taxpayer money—it is only right for Ablakwa to resign, just as he once vowed to do if such a thing ever happened under his own party’s government.

“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 continued: “Now is the time to prove to Ghanaians that you are a man of principles. This is your moment of truth. Resign with honour!”

Is Using a Private Jet Always Wrong?

Rev. Fordjour was quick to clarify that using a private jet is not a crime. In fact, he said there are genuine reasons why an official may need to use one—especially if the official presidential jet is under maintenance or unavailable.

However, his main concern was not the jet itself but the double standards and hypocrisy that come into play when those who condemned something in opposition now turn around to benefit from it in government.

“This is not about whether private jets are good or bad. It is about keeping your word. You built your political credibility on this issue. Now you must live by it,” he added.

Ghanaians React: Social Media Buzzing

The news of the Vice President’s return on a private jet has already caused a storm online. Some Ghanaians have expressed disappointment and anger, especially those who remembered Ablakwa’s earlier commitment.

“Ablakwa was our watchdog. If he now sees no problem with this, then what has changed?” one social media user wrote.

Others argued that there may be valid reasons for the Vice President’s use of the jet, especially since she had just returned from medical treatment abroad.

“She was sick. Maybe the private jet was the only safe option for her return,” another commented.

Ablakwa Yet to Respond

As of the time this report was published, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa has not issued any official statement in response to Rev. Fordjour’s demand.

However, political watchers expect that he will respond soon—either to defend the circumstances of the Vice President’s travel or to explain his position on the issue now that his party is in power.

A Matter of Integrity and Consistency

This saga raises important questions about political integrity, accountability, and consistency in leadership. In a country like Ghana, where citizens are becoming more politically aware and demanding better governance, such matters can make or break a leader’s reputation.

Many are watching to see whether Ablakwa will:

Resign, as he once promised to do under similar circumstances,

Justify the use of the jet based on the Vice President’s medical condition, or

Deny that public funds were used and shift the conversation entirely.

Whatever the outcome, the incident has once again brought the issue of government expenditure, trust, and political promises into the national spotlight.

Final Thoughts

In Ghanaian politics, it is often said that “what goes around comes around.” Rev. Fordjour’s challenge to Hon. Ablakwa is not just about one trip or one jet—it’s about the values we expect from our leaders.

If a politician speaks boldly while in opposition, the people expect them to remain bold and honest while in government.

Whether or not Ablakwa will walk his talk remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—Ghanaians are watching, and they will remember.