Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, has pledged to champion the formulation of a comprehensive presidential travel policy to regulate official trips by the head of state.
That, he explained, would promote transparency and accountability in presidential travels.
Mr Ablakwa, a long-time critic of excessive presidential travel expenses, emphasised the need for clear guidelines on the use of state resources for official and private trips when he appeared before the Appointments Committee of Parliament to be vetted on Friday.
He noted that the absence of a structured policy had led to inefficiencies and controversies over presidential travels.
“…. Mr Chairman, this is a matter that I am very passionate about, and I, if given the opportunity at the Cabinet, will propose that Ghana formulate a presidential travel policy,” he said.
The nominee drew parallels with the United States, where the President is required to reimburse the state for private trips taken on Air Force One.
“They also have clear guidelines on who can use those jets and how they should be maintained. We don’t have that,” he explained.
Mr Ablakwa reiterated his commitment to pursuing that policy, stressing that it was time for the Government to establish clear regulations on presidential travels.