Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Source: Africa Publicity
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has justified Ghanaian President, John Dramani Mahama’s use of commercial flights for his foreign trips, saying the President has not complained about flying commercial.
Ablakwa was speaking in an interview with broadcast journalist, Bernard Avle on the Accra-based Channel One TV’s Point of View programme on Wednesday September 17, 2025.
In the interview monitored by Africa Publicity, the Foreign Minister justified President Mahama’s decision to fly out of Ghana on commercial flights for his recent travels to Japan and Singapore.
According to him, President Mahama was comfortable flying commercial while Ghana’s presidential plane is being serviced in France.
Ablakwa says “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.”
Regarding cost of Mahama traveling in commercial flights, Ablakwa said it was far more economical compared to flying in private jets.
“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.”
