The Communication Director at the Presidency, Eugene Arhin has debunked claims of the president jet being used by unknown person as alleged by Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu.
Mr. Ablakwa in a facebook post raised series of question as to why the Jet has been spotted in France days before the president’s visit to the country.
“Who used the presidential jet to France and what is the purpose of the trip? Why did government not pursue judiciousness and frugality by harmonizing both travels to save taxpayer funds, particularly in this period of IMF bailout economic crisis, especially considering that the Presidential Jet flew to the same enclave within the same week of the President’s travel? Will President Akufo-Addo exhibit some modicum of prudence and respect for his pledge to protect the public purse by returning home on the 10th of September, 2022 aboard Ghana’s Presidential Jet or the wastefulness will continue with the apparently needless multiple opaque flight arrangements?” he asked.
However, the communication director at the presidency has responded to the above questions raised by the Member of Parliament, stating the jet is going through a major repair work and will be available to use in December.
“My attention has been drawn to a Facebook post made by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa regarding the use of the presidential jet, and my responses are as follows:
“Contrary to the insinuations being cast by the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, no one “used the Presidential Jet to France”, and no one is using the Presidential Jet in France. The only persons who flew the jet to France are the crew made up of pilots from the Ghana Air Force.”
“Indeed, the Presidential Jet departed Ghana on 30th August to France for major repair works to be carried out on it – repair works which are very much long overdue. The Air Force has indicated that the Presidential Jet will be out of service for a total of four (4) months, and will return to Ghana and be available for use in December. It will be recalled that in May this year, the Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, alerted Ghanaians to the fact that the Presidential Jet would be flown to France for major repair works to be undertaken on it.” he added
Adding that, “In view of this, how Hon. Ablakwa expects President Akufo-Addo to return to Ghana on Saturday, 10th September, from his current trip to the Netherlands and France on board the Presidential aircraft, which is undergoing major repair works and is scheduled to return to Ghana in December, beats my imagination.”he asked.
Mr. Arhin urged the Member of Parliament for North Tongu to be mind of his publication regarding the President travels and stop what he called ‘penchant for propaganda’.
“I would urge Hon. Ablakwa to minimize his penchant for engaging in propaganda regarding the Presidential Jet, to avoid further embarrassments to his person.” He said.
source: theGhanaianvoice.com
