The Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has pledged to advocate for the formulation of a comprehensive presidential travel policy to regulate official trips undertaken by Ghana's Head of State.
Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee, Ablakwa emphasised that such a policy would enhance transparency and accountability in the use of state resources for both official and private travel by the President.
A long-time critic of what he described as excessive presidential travel expenses under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ablakwa stressed the need for clear guidelines to prevent inefficiencies and controversies. "This is a matter that I am very passionate about, and if given the opportunity at the cabinet level, I will propose that Ghana formulate a presidential travel policy," he stated.
Citing examples from the United States, he noted that when the US President uses Air Force One for private trips, reimbursement is required.
