Hanna Tetteh advices Ablakwa on new role

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hanna Tetteh has advised the newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to study the environment before taking action.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Johnnie Hughes on the Sunrise show on 3FM on Friday, February 7, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General said “Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has to study the environment before taking action as Foreign Affairs Minister.”

Excerpts of our conversation with Hanna Tetteh, Special Rep to UN Secretary-General & Head of UNSMIL on #3FMSunrise.#3FM927 pic.twitter.com/TyYkOtsGrE

— #3FM927📻 (@3fm927) February 7, 2025

During his vetting, Mr Ablakwa said among other things, pledged to advocate for a formal presidential travel policy to regulate official trips undertaken by Ghana’s Head of State.

Speaking during his vetting before the Appointments Committee, Ablakwa underscored the need for clear guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability in presidential travel.

A known critic of what he described as excessive travel expenses under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Ablakwa argued that the absence of a structured policy has resulted in inefficiencies and recurring controversies.

He stressed that establishing formal regulations would prevent the misuse of state resources and set a new standard for responsible governance.

“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. If you take the US, when the President uses the presidential jet (Air Force One) for private trips, he is made to reimburse the state.

“They also have clear guidelines on who can use those jets and how they should be maintained. We don’t have that.

“It is important to pursue that policy. I can assure you that I remain committed to it, and I think that it is time for the government to have a presidential travel policy,” he emphasised.