Minority in Parliament to vehemently oppose the acquisition of a new Presidential Jet
The Minority is set to oppose the government’s intention of buying the new presidential jet as announced by Mr Eugene Arhin, Communication Director at the Presidency.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a leading critic of the government from the Minority in Parliament and legislator for the North Tongu constituency has indicated that despite the criticisms and defence of the government he firmly stands by comments he has made regarding the president’s trips so far stating that it is the truth.
For him, the government has no excuse for acquiring such a jet and he believes the president hiring such luxurious jets for his trips was to herald the big announcement for them to purchase a new jet which has sparked mixed reactions from some Ghanaians as well.
Mr Ablakwa further defended his stance citing that the current jet which is the existing French-built Dassault Falcon 900 EX-Easy aircraft, acquired during President John Agyekum Kufuor’s era in 2007 but was delivered for use in 2010 is still fit for purpose.
Referring to earlier investigations he had made he said “at least the Liberian President George Weah has made Ghanaians understand that the jet fit when he also used it for his trips.”
He also revealed that the jet has a 20 year lifespan and had barely made 11 years and no where close to 2030 so why the conversation about a new jet, he quizzed .
Backing his colleagues stance is Minority Leader in Parliament Haruna Iddrissu, stating that though as a caucus they have not had a discussion concerning the issue we support his stance. Adding that “Government cannot be thinking of comfort while your citizens are suffering”.
He then accused government of not being forthright in providing information regarding this issue “what is with the current presidential jet to warrant the purchase of a new one if not for profligate and opulent reasons?” the Minority leader quizzed.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
