Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang’s medical trip abroad has sparked intense backlash, with critics accusing the government of hypocrisy.
Among those facing the heat is Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who, just four years ago, strongly opposed government officials seeking medical treatment outside Ghana.
Now, as he plays a role in facilitating the Vice President’s trip, social media users are calling him out for what they see as a clear case of double standards.
Years ago, some of the same voices now endorsing Prof. Naana Jane’s medical trip were vocal in their opposition to similar actions taken by previous administrations. Their words have come back to haunt them.
Back in 2017, Kofi Asare, a known NDC supporter, strongly opposed then-Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s medical trip abroad. “It is totally unheard of to send Bawumia outside for medical treatment,” he argued, insisting that Ghana’s healthcare system was sufficient. Today, his silence on Prof. Naana Jane’s case is being called out.
Similarly, in 2020, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was a fierce critic of government officials traveling abroad for medical care.
“Government appointees must be stopped from seeking medical treatment outside. All politicians must use the same facilities as Ghanaians,” he insisted. Ironically, as Foreign Minister, he is now expected to facilitate the very thing he once condemned.
Professor Yaw Gyampo, who was also critical of Bawumia’s medical leave abroad in 2020, is another name being thrown into the controversy.
“Why should our Vice President seek medical treatment abroad instead of Ghana?” he questioned at the time. Today, as CEO of the Ghana Shippers Authority, he has remained noticeably quiet.
Perhaps the most significant contradiction comes from former President John Mahama himself. During his previous term, he proudly stated, “The UGMC was built to ensure that government officials and appointees do not have to travel abroad for treatment. It is supposed to be the final stop for all medical conditions.” Now, as President once again, he faces a test of his own principles—will he stop his Vice President from leaving?
Beyond the politics, the issue raises critical concerns about Ghana’s healthcare infrastructure. The reality is that not all medical conditions can be treated locally, and leaders—just like ordinary citizens—may sometimes require specialized care abroad.
However, the problem many are pointing out is not that Prof. Naana Jane is seeking medical attention elsewhere, but that the very people who once condemned such actions are now endorsing them without a word of acknowledgment.
As one observer bluntly put it, “The problem with Ghanaian politicians is that they say one thing in opposition and do the complete opposite when they gain power.” Perhaps this is just another reminder that in politics, words can come back to haunt you.
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