New Patriotic Party flagbearer aspirant and former Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has reignited the debate over the proposed acquisition of a new presidential jet, criticising what he described as short-sighted and politically motivated opposition to the idea in the past.
Speaking following the tragic military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, Mr Agyapong, in an interview on Oman FM, noted that the incident should serve as a national wake-up call to rise above petty partisanship, especially on matters of critical national importance.
“The recent helicopter crash that claimed eight precious lives should be a wake-up call for us all on the extent to which unnecessary partisanship is destroying our country,” he stated.
The former legislator pointed to the controversy under the former Akufo-Addo administration, when plans to acquire a modern, fit-for-purpose presidential aircraft faced fierce resistance, particularly from members of the then-opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He singled out North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, for what he termed “unwarranted politicisation” of the matter, accusing him of engaging in “unfortunate banter” that stifled a necessary national investment.
“For the sake of political expedience, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa vehemently opposed the acquisition… He must bow his head in shame and apologise for his disservice to our dear country.”
Mr Agyapong pointed out what he considered the irony of the opposition’s stance, revealing that the parliamentary delegation tasked with overseeing the proposed acquisition was, in fact, led by another NDC figure James Agalga, the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee.
He argued that rather than a needless luxury, the proposed presidential jet was a prudent long-term investment that would have ultimately saved the country millions in charter costs.
“In the long term, the acquisition of a fit-for-purpose presidential jet is economically prudent compared to the expenditure incurred on presidential travels devoid of same,” he said.
Mr Agyapong further cautioned against allowing populist narratives and political propaganda to derail national progress.
“As politicians, we must be wary of the adverse impact of populism and propaganda on our national interest. Let’s rather pursue initiatives that would benefit the country.”
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