By: Abdul Shakur Omae
In what is fast becoming a political firestorm, Member of Parliament for Gushegu and former Deputy Minister for Transport, Hon. Alhassan S. Tampuli, has publicly condemned Vice President H. E. Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang for returning to Ghana aboard a private jet a move he describes as “profligate and insensitive.”
In a sharply worded Facebook post, Tampuli recalled the humility shown by former Vice President Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia when he returned from a 12-day medical leave in London in February 2018 aboard a British Airways commercial flight, accompanied by his wife, H. E. Hajia Samira Bawumia. According to him, this showed respect for the plight of the average Ghanaian.
“This kind of opulence is an insult to Ghanaians still waiting for the government to put money in their pockets,” he wrote. “Meanwhile, British Airways has even increased flights on the Accra-London route. Why the need for a private jet?”
But what has sparked even greater outrage is Tampuli’s daring challenge to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who, according to him, once promised to resign the very day a government official flew a private jet for any trip.
“The Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, as I know him, is a man of his word,” Tampuli stated pointedly. “Are we about to see the first resignation over personal conviction? Or was it just empty talk in opposition?”
The post has ignited fierce debate across social and political platforms, with many accusing the government of hypocrisy and reckless spending amid economic hardship. Others have come to the Vice President’s defense, citing security and scheduling concerns.
As of this report, the Office of the Vice President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have remained silent, refusing to comment on Tampuli’s claims or the alleged broken promise.
Tolon Radio will continue to monitor this developing story and bring you verified updates as they unfold.