The Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has pledged to advocate for the formulation of a comprehensive presidential travel policy to regulate official trips undertaken by Ghana’s Head of State.
Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee, Ablakwa emphasised that such a policy would enhance transparency and accountability in the use of state resources for both official and private travel by the President.
A long-time critic of what he described as excessive presidential travel expenses under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ablakwa stressed the need for clear guidelines to prevent inefficiencies and controversies.
“This is a matter that I am very passionate about, and if given the opportunity at the cabinet level, I will propose that Ghana formulate a presidential travel policy,” he stated.
Citing examples from the United States, he noted that when the US President uses Air Force One for private trips, reimbursement is required. He also highlighted that clear guidelines exist on who can access presidential jets and how they should be maintained, unlike in Ghana, where no such regulations exist.
“It is important to pursue that policy. I can assure you that I remain committed to it, and I think that it is time for the government to take this seriously,” Ablakwa asserted.
His commitment to introducing a structured framework for presidential travel is expected to spark discussions on the responsible use of state resources and the need for greater oversight in government spending.
