Ablakwa dragged on social media over VEEP Naana Jane’s seeking healthcare abroad

Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s medical trip abroad has caused significant backlash. Critics accuse the government of hypocrisy.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is among those facing criticism. Four years ago, he opposed government officials seeking medical treatment outside Ghana. Now, he is facilitating the Vice President’s trip. Social media users are calling him out for double standards.

Some voices now supporting Prof. Naana Jane once opposed similar actions by previous administrations. Their past statements are now being highlighted.

In 2017, Kofi Asare, an NDC supporter, criticized then-Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s medical trip abroad. He claimed it was “unheard of” to send Bawumia outside for treatment, insisting Ghana's healthcare was sufficient. Today, his silence on Prof. Naana Jane’s case is notable.

In 2020, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was a strong critic of officials traveling abroad for care. He argued that government appointees should use local facilities like all Ghanaians. Ironically, as Foreign Minister, he now facilitates what he once condemned.

Professor Yaw Gyampo also criticized Bawumia’s medical leave in 2020. He questioned why the Vice President would seek treatment abroad instead of in Ghana. Now, as CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, he has remained silent.

President John Mahama presents a significant contradiction as well. During his last term, he stated that UGMC was built to prevent officials from traveling abroad for treatment. Now that he is president again, will he stop his Vice President from leaving?

This issue raises important concerns about Ghana's healthcare infrastructure. Not all medical conditions can be treated locally; leaders may need specialized care abroad too.

The problem many highlight is not that Prof. Naana Jane seeks medical attention elsewhere but that those who condemned such actions are now endorsing them without acknowledgment.

One observer noted: “Ghanaian politicians say one thing in opposition and do the opposite in power.” This situation serves as a reminder that words can come back to haunt you.