The government has clarified that it does not cover maintenance or leasing fees for the private jet belonging to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, which President John Dramani Mahama occasionally uses for official international travel.
According to Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, the state only bears operational costs such as fuel and landing charges when the aircraft is deployed for presidential duties.
All maintenance-related expenses remain the responsibility of the owner, Ibrahim Mahama.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Thursday, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the arrangement helps reduce the high costs typically associated with chartering aircraft for official trips.
“The President does not rent the aircraft; he only fuels it. The aircraft belongs to somebody, so the owner retains the services of the pilot and other personnel who work on it,” he said.
He contrasted the arrangement with commercial chartering, noting that hiring a jet on the open market would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and other operational costs.
“When the President rents an aircraft, apart from paying the rent, he would also have to cover fuel and all the costs associated with maintaining that aircraft during the time he is using it. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” he explained.
The remarks come amid renewed public debate over the President’s use of the private jet owned by his brother Ibrahim Mahama, popularly known as “Dzata”, for official foreign travel.
The discussion gained traction after President Mahama departed for a state visit to South Korea aboard the Dzata jet instead of Ghana’s official presidential aircraft, 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.
Concerns raised include potential ethical conflicts, security considerations, and the optics of a sitting president using an aircraft owned by a close relative.
Critics have also questioned whether the practice aligns with the ethical guidelines governing public officials.
Supporters, however, argue that the arrangement offers a practical and cost-saving alternative, particularly given concerns about the operational readiness of the state’s official presidential jet.
Kwakye Ofosu also disclosed that the government is expecting delivery of a new presidential aircraft currently under production.
While he could not confirm a specific timeline, he expressed optimism that it would be delivered upon completion.
“I am not aware of a specific timeline, but I do not anticipate that it will be too long. As and when it is ready, it will come. This is because it has to be manufactured, and the process is ongoing, so when the process is completed, it will come, just like the first helicopter,” he said.
