In a country where achieving political gains by our politicians, it is not surprising that former defence minister, Dominic Nitiwul, is experiencing some form of amnesia over the presidential plane travels. Displaying political double standards, Nitiwul finds himself at the centre of a controversy that perfectly illustrates the inconsistencies in the country’s political discourse. The controversy stems from his conflicting stances on presidential travel arrangements under different administrations.

Recent statements from Nitiwul criticizing President John Mahama’s use of commercial flights have raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. For him, President Mahama’s decision to use commercial flights while the presidential jet was serviceable was inappropriate. This stance, however, stands in stark contrast to his vigorous defense of President Akufo-Addo’s preference for luxury private jets at substantial cost to the taxpayer.

During the Akufo-Addo’s administration, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, meticulously documented these expenditures, revealing that trips to South Africa and France alone cost Ghanaian taxpayers around GHC2.8 million. The choice of aircraft – the Airbus ACJ320neo from Acropolis Aviation – represents the pinnacle of luxury air travel, complete with master bedroom, en-suite bathroom, luxury shower, and conference facilities.

Nitiwul’s attempt to justify these expenditures drew widespread criticism. His argument centered on presidential comfort and security, suggesting that the current presidential jet’s limitations – including its passenger capacity, fuel efficiency, and lack of shower facilities – necessitated the use of private luxury aircraft. This justification was widely regarded as flimsy, particularly given Ghana’s current economic challenges.

Fortunately, Ablakwa’s persistent scrutiny brought these inconsistencies to light. His systematic breakdown of travel costs and alternatives has demonstrated that more cost-effective options, such as first-class commercial travel, could save the nation significant resources while maintaining presidential dignity and comfort.

Political analysts note that this was not an isolated incident but rather part of a broader pattern of inconsistent standards applied to different administrations. When President Mahama used commercial flights – a more economical option – he faced criticism from the then-opposition. Yet, when Akufo-Addo opted for luxury private jets at exponentially higher costs, similar voices found ways to justify the expenditure.

This controversy plays out against the backdrop of Ghana’s significant economic challenges. With the country grappling with debt sustainability issues and implementing austerity measures, the contrast between governmental spending habits and calls for citizen sacrifice becomes particularly stark.

The public reaction to these revelations has been one of increasing frustration. Social media platforms and traditional media outlets have been flooded with commentary from citizens demanding greater accountability and consistency in the management of public resources.

Mr Innocent Samuel Appiah, The Author

Various civil society organizations have called for the establishment of clear guidelines governing presidential travel arrangements. They argue that such guidelines should apply regardless of which party holds power, ensuring consistency and prudent use of public resources.

The resolution of Ghana’s presidential travel controversy demands a comprehensive reform approach that transcends mere public discontent. Policy experts and governance specialists emphasize the need for a multi-faceted solution, beginning with the establishment and implementation of clear, unambiguous guidelines governing presidential travel arrangements. This framework should be complemented by mandatory periodic disclosures of all travel-related expenses, ensuring transparency and public accountability.

Additionally, the creation of an independent oversight body, free from political interference, would serve as a crucial check on executive travel decisions. Perhaps most significantly, these experts advocate for constitutional amendments that would explicitly regulate presidential travel expenditures, thereby institutionalizing these reforms and making them binding across all administrations, regardless of political affiliation. This systematic approach would not only address the immediate concerns but also establish a lasting framework for responsible management of public resources in presidential travel matters.

HON DOMINIC NITIWUL

This saga continues to unfold, serving as a reminder of the importance of holding public officials accountable for both their actions and their words, regardless of political affiliation. As Ghana’s democracy matures, such incidents highlight the ongoing need for transparency, consistency, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

 

Source : Innocent Samuel Appiah

 

 

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