North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has refuted reports that he said President Akufo-Addo travelled in Airbus ACJ319 registered D-Alex from Accra to Belgium and Rwanda.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Top Story on Friday, he stated that he never said that President travelled in D-Alex.
“Nowhere in my revelation did I say that they (President Akufo-Addo and 12-member delegation) left Accra in D-Alex, the €20,000 an hour jet.”
“Where in my post did I say the President left in a chartered ACJ319 registered D-Alex from Accra? “ he quizzed.
This follows a communique from the Presidency dismissing claims by the North Tongu MP that President Akufo-Addo chartered a German-based private jet operator – K5-Aviation, on his recent trips to Belgium and Rwanda.
The release also noted that Mr Ablakwa, pointed out that the President's trips to Belgium, and subsequently to Rwanda were aboard an Airbus A0319, registered D-Alex, adding that "the 480,000 Euros which is derived from 21 hours of total flight time plus other industry charges works out to some 4.1million Ghana Cedis at current exchange rate".
In response, Mr Ablakwa insisted the “Presidency is setting their own questions and seeking to mislead the public and just muddy the waters.”
He clarified that he only said that with the charter, " we will be billed for 21 hours."
As a result, he stated that the release by the Director of Communications of the President, Eugene Arhin, clearly shows that he needs education on Aviation matters, particularly chartered jet work.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had earlier today criticised the President for costing the Ghanaian taxpayer €20,000 an hour for flying the “luxury monster”.
Mr Ablakwa wrote on Facebook, “Incorrigible President Akufo-Addo has done it again. After pretending he was a changed man by flying commercial on his last two trips to the US and the UK, he has returned to his grossly insensitive and reckless ways of profligate travelling in ultra-luxurious charters.”
“For President Akufo-Addo’s current trip to Belgium and Rwanda, we can confirm a conservative bill of €480,000.00. The €480,000 derived from 21 hours of total flight time plus other industry charges works out to some ¢4.1 million at the current exchange rate."
Latest Stories
-
A new chapter for African women’s football with CAF U17 GIFT kick-off in Tanzania
11 minutes -
Exit of multinational firms due to high inflation, currency weakness – Deloitte
11 minutes -
Constitution’s impeachment provisions for Chief Justice are ‘inadequate’, says Sophia Akuffo
21 minutes -
We won’t be a disruptive Minority but will serve the interest of Ghanaians – Gideon Boako
38 minutes -
‘Merit over patronage’ – Sophia Akuffo calls for overhaul of Chief Justice selection process
43 minutes -
GPL: You have benefited from refereeing decisions – Dreams FC slams Accra Lions for calling for reforms
58 minutes -
Deschamps to leave France job after 2026 World Cup
1 hour -
NCCE congratulates Mahama, calls for unity and post-election collaboration
3 hours -
‘Democracy must work for the people’ – Mahama promises tangible change as he resets Ghana
3 hours -
Why Akufo-Addo calls me Johnny – Mahama reflects on rivalry, respect, and history
4 hours -
‘A beacon of hope’ – Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s rise lauded by NDC Professionals Women
4 hours -
Ghana’s leadership a beacon of hope for Africa – Tinubu
4 hours -
Explosive fertiliser in Ivory Coast harbour nothing to fear, officials say
5 hours -
Nigerian atheist freed from prison but fears for his life
5 hours -
Djokovic still has ‘trauma’ over Covid deportation
5 hours