NPP flagbearer aspirant and former Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, has criticised North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, accusing him of politicising the proposed acquisition of a new presidential jet and engaging in what he described as “unfortunate banter” at the expense of the national interest.

In a Facebook post, Mr Agyapong, an aspiring NPP flagbearer, faulted Mr Ablakwa for his strong opposition to the planned purchase of a new presidential aircraft under former President Akufo-Addo’s administration, insisting that his position was motivated by political expediency rather than patriotism.

“For the sake of political expedience, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa vehemently opposed the acquisition and engaged in unfortunate banter on the subject,” Mr. Agyapong stated. “He must bow his head in shame and apologise for his unwarranted politicisation of issues and disservice to our dear country.”

Mr Agyapong argued that acquiring a fit-for-purpose presidential jet would have been more cost-effective in the long run compared to the millions of dollars spent on chartered flights, an argument Mr. Ablakwa consistently rejected during his tenure as Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Highlighting the irony of the matter, he noted that the parliamentary delegation tasked with assessing the jet acquisition was led by NDC MP James Agalga, then Ranking Member of the Committee.

• Read also: Ablakwa defends stance on presidential jet oversight, challenges Akufo-Addo era ‘hypocrisy’

“Interestingly, the delegation for the acquisition was led by Hon. James Agalga, the Ranking Member for the Committee,” he pointed out.

Mr. Agyapong further warned against allowing propaganda and populism to derail important national initiatives with long-term benefits.

“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,” he urged.

He also linked the debate to recent national tragedies, citing the helicopter crash that claimed eight lives as a stark reminder of the dangers of sacrificing critical matters of state to partisan politics.

“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 said. “It is about time we ended the over-politicisation of critical national issues.”

Meanwhile, Mr Ablakwa, mounted a defence of his longstanding scrutiny of presidential travel, describing his actions as a patriotic duty to protect the public purse and uphold the principle of accountability.

Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, called on the Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to resign, apologise to former President Akufo-Addo, and support the acquisition of a new presidential jet.