Afia Pokuaa, a journalist with Okay FM, has taken Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister and North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to task over what she perceives as a contradiction in his stance on public officials seeking medical treatment abroad.
Speaking on Okay FM on the night of Monday, March 31, 2025, Pokuaa pointed out that Ablakwa had been a strong advocate for banning government officials from traveling overseas for healthcare.
However, he now appears silent as Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang receives treatment abroad under his watch.
Back in May 2021, Ablakwa was vocal about ending medical tourism for politicians, arguing that such a ban would force the government to prioritize investment in Ghana’s healthcare system.
His stance resonated with many Ghanaians who felt that public officials should experience the same healthcare facilities as the average citizen.
However, news that Vice President Opoku-Agyemang was flown overseas for medical care has raised questions.
Critics argue that Ablakwa’s failure to comment on the issue contradicts his earlier position, with some accusing him of double standards.
On the other hand, some supporters suggest that his silence is due to the sensitive nature of the Vice President’s health.
They believe that in such circumstances, privacy should be prioritized over political debates.
Others point out that Ablakwa has long been an advocate for Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s leadership and contributions to the nation.
This development has reignited discussions on the state of Ghana’s healthcare system and the expectations placed on public officials.
Many citizens are demanding greater consistency and transparency from leaders, urging them to prioritize healthcare improvements to reduce the need for politicians to seek treatment abroad.
