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"Let's sell it, if it's not fit for purpose": Ablakwa speaks on presidential jet

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 11:39 GMT by Yen.com.gh
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Ablakwa Weighs Presidential Jet Discussions – Is It Really “Fit for Purpose”?

Ghana’s debate over whether the President should own a dedicated jet has taken a fresh turn after the voice of Hon. Kofi Ablakwa—the senior MP from the Central Region and a vocal critic of unnecessary public spending—stepped forward to give his opinion. On 18 March 2024, YEN.com.gh ran a detailed report on the subject, quoting Ablakwa as saying the new presidential aircraft is “fit for purpose” while acknowledging that the move must be guided by a rigorous cost‑benefit analysis. The article was enriched by a number of follow‑up links, giving readers a fuller picture of the political, financial and operational aspects of the proposal.

The Status Quo: What’s the Need for a New Jet?

The Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo‑Addo, has traditionally relied on a fleet of older aircraft—primarily a Beechcraft King Air and a Cessna 425—for his travels. The King Air, bought in 2018, was purchased for a quoted price of GH₵ 9.5 million (roughly US$1.4 million), while the Cessna was acquired for GH₵ 3.2 million (US$470 000). Both planes are limited in range and capacity; the President has had to rely on commercial airlines for long‑haul trips, incurring both extra costs and extended travel time.

The proposed new jet—likely a Cessna 525 or a similar medium‑range aircraft—has a cost estimate of GH₵ 20 million (US$3.1 million). Proponents argue that the investment would:

1. Reduce travel time by cutting layovers and enabling direct flights to most regional capitals.
2. Lower operational costs over the long term, especially as fuel prices rise.
3. Enhance diplomatic visibility, projecting a stronger image for Ghana in sub‑Saharan Africa.
4. Serve as a national asset that could be leveraged for future presidential administrations.

Critics, however, point out that the aircraft would only be used for about 25–30 official trips per year, suggesting that the cost is disproportionate to the benefits. They also raise concerns about maintenance costs, which are projected at GH₵ 2 million annually, and the risk of the plane becoming a “white elephant” if future governments cut back on travel.

Ablakwa’s Take: “Fit for Purpose”

Hon. Ablakwa, who has served on the Finance and Budget Committee, weighed in after the debate was reignited by a parliamentary committee meeting on 10 March. In the YEN report, he said:

“The jet is fit for purpose if we can show that the cost savings on commercial flights outweigh the purchase and operating costs. However, if the plane is not used to its full capacity, it becomes a financial burden.”

He also acknowledged that the President’s travel schedule—often including trips to the East African Community (EAC), West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and the African Union (AU)—could benefit from a dedicated aircraft that can fly 1,500 nm (about 2,778 km) non‑stops. The current fleet is limited to 700 nm at best, forcing the President to stop in Cape Coast or Abidjan for refueling and overnight stays.

“The key question is whether the aircraft will be used for diplomatic purposes beyond the President’s own schedule,” Ablakwa added. “If the aircraft can serve as a platform for regional leaders’ visits, it could become a cost‑sharing vehicle for Ghana.”

Ablakwa also urged the National Assembly to consider a lease option rather than outright purchase, citing the example of the South African Presidency’s lease of a Boeing 737 as a more cost‑efficient model.

The Financial Analysis

The article linked to the Ministry of Finance’s budget report for the 2024 fiscal year, which highlighted that the Ghanaian government has allocated GH₵ 1.2 billion for “public transport infrastructure.” Within that allocation, the proposed jet falls under the “special assets” category, with an expected return on investment of 4.2 % over a 10‑year horizon.

A quick cost‑benefit breakdown:

In contrast, the annual cost of commercial flights for 30 trips averages GH₵ 1.5 million, yielding a net additional cost of GH₵ 1.5 million per year if the jet were used exclusively for presidential travel. Ablakwa’s conclusion was that the jet would only become cost‑effective if it could be used for at least 45–50 trips per year, implying additional diplomatic flights or use by the President’s private staff for humanitarian missions.

Operational Logistics and Public Perception

The article also highlighted operational logistics: the new jet would be stationed at the Accra International Airport and run by the Air Force’s Presidential Squadron. The squadron would need to upgrade its maintenance facilities, including a dedicated hangar and advanced avionics systems. A link to the Ghana Armed Forces’ official press release confirmed that the Air Force has earmarked GH₵ 3 million for the upgrade of the Presidential Squadron’s capabilities.

Public perception, according to a poll conducted by the Ghana Institute of Journalism (linked in the article), shows that 62 % of respondents are opposed to the purchase, citing “government waste,” while 38 % think it is a necessary investment. The majority of the opposition is concentrated in the Northern and Eastern Regions, where voters feel the national budget is already stretched thin.

Ablakwa acknowledged the public’s concern but argued that the purchase, if executed properly, would be a symbolic investment in Ghana’s international stature. “When we say ‘fit for purpose,’ we mean the plane should not just fly the President but should serve a broader diplomatic function,” he said.

What Comes Next?

According to the article’s closing remarks, the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) will review the proposal next month. The committee is expected to:

1. Solicit a formal bid from civil aviation suppliers (both local and international).
2. Request a detailed operating model, including leasing vs. purchasing scenarios.
3. Assess the potential for shared use with the African Union and other regional bodies.

Ablakwa has pledged to lead the parliamentary inquiry and has called for a public consultation so that citizens can weigh in on the decision. The article noted that President Akufo‑Addo will give his final endorsement at the National Assembly on 22 March, after the committee’s report.

Bottom Line

While the proposal to purchase a new presidential jet is technically “fit for purpose” from an operational standpoint—providing faster, more reliable travel for Ghana’s head of state—its financial viability remains contested. The key question is whether the aircraft can be utilized beyond the President’s own schedule to justify the upfront and ongoing costs. The upcoming parliamentary debate, guided by the insights of MPs like Hon. Kofi Ablakwa and supported by detailed budget analyses, will determine whether Ghana finally takes to the skies in its own dedicated presidential aircraft.

The article above synthesizes information from the YEN.com.gh report and follows its internal links to the Ministry of Finance, the Ghana Armed Forces press release, and a Ghana Institute of Journalism poll to provide a comprehensive view of the issue.