Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, has called on President Akufo-Addo to make a firm commitment to refrain from renting an $18,000-an-hour plane for his trips outside Ghana until after the 2024 general elections.
The demand comes in the wake of accusations by Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that President Akufo-Addo utilized the luxury jet for his journey to the United States and London.
Dr Spio-Garbrah emphasizes that such extravagant expenditures on private jets should be avoided, especially amid economic challenges facing the country.
In a yet-to-be-aired interview with TV3’s Keminni Amanor, he asserted that the president’s commitment to not using the expensive jet again would send a positive message about fiscal responsibility.
“So, President Akufo-Addo left Accra for Washington on Thursday 31st March 2022 at 11:52 pm aboard a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner with call sign UAL997. Before the President landed at 6:40 am at the Dulles International Airport in Washington on the 1st of April, the ubiquitous luxury LX-DIO had landed at the same airport the previous day at 12:27 pm waiting for President Akufo-Addo.
“President Akufo-Addo couldn’t wait to fly his favourite US$18,000 an hour LX-DIO from Washington where he departed at 10:13 am and arrived at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina at 11:22 am — a flight time of 01:09. It is important to acknowledge that there were more than a dozen available commercial flights with business class tickets not exceeding $700 in value.”
Discussing the 24-hour economy proposal introduced by former President John Dramani Mahama, Dr Spio-Garbrah expressed support for the idea, noting that 54% of Ghanaians consider it the most remembered policy initiative among political parties.
He believes that implementing the 24-hour economy concept could stimulate job creation and boost the local economy.
“If the president tells us that before he leaves office he will never fly again in 18,000 dollar an hour plane, he hasn’t made that commitment, he should make it.
“Have you heard that the National Cathedral project has been canceled? If you hear that the National Cathedral project has been canceled then it means that the government is getting into a sensible environment and canceling projects that they know will never happen this year under this government. So cancel it openly and let us know it is canceled.”
Touching on other aspects, Dr Spio-Garbrah raised questions about the status of projects like the National Cathedral, urging the government to be transparent about their viability.
He emphasized the need for openness regarding the cancellation of projects that may not materialize under the current government.
As the political landscape evolves, discussions around economic policies and responsible governance continue to play a crucial role in shaping public opinion and expectations.