Gov’t defends president’s use of brother’s private jet, cites cost savings

The government has provided clarification regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, for official international travel, stating that the arrangement is a cost-saving measure for the state.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, explained that the government only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the aircraft is deployed for presidential trips. He emphasized that all maintenance costs and the crew’s salaries remain the sole responsibility of the aircraft’s owner, Ibrahim Mahama.

“By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated during an interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday. He elaborated that chartering an aircraft on the open market would require the government to pay a substantial rental fee in addition to fuel and all associated operational costs. “The President does not rent the aircraft; he only fuels it,” he reiterated.

The explanation comes amid renewed public debate following the President’s recent departure for a state visit to South Korea aboard the jet, which is branded “Dzata.” The trip reignited discussions about the use of the private aircraft over Ghana’s official presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900EX.

The arrangement has drawn criticism from some members of the public, the Minority in Parliament, and policy think tank IMANI Africa. Critics have raised concerns regarding security protocols and the potential conflict of interest, questioning whether the practice aligns with ethical guidelines for public officials.

However, supporters of the arrangement argue that it offers a pragmatic and financially prudent alternative, especially amid questions about the operational readiness and cost-effectiveness of the state’s official aircraft.

Mr. Kwakye Ofosu also provided an update on the government’s plans for its aviation fleet, disclosing that a new presidential aircraft is currently under production. While he could not confirm a specific delivery timeline, he stated that it would arrive once manufacturing is complete, similar to the process for a recently acquired presidential helicopter.