Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their opinions regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, instead of the state-owned presidential aircraft.
The conversation was ignited when a photograph surfaced online, showing the newly inaugurated president boarding the Dzata private jet.
Critics questioned why the president opted for a private arrangement rather than utilizing state resources.
Some speculated about the financial implications, while others raised concerns over the symbolism of a sitting president relying on personal family assets for official duties.
One Twitter user wrote, “It’s surprising that the media, CSOs, and the public are silent about the president’s decision to charter a private jet at taxpayers expense, especially when the country already has a suitable aircraft for presidential use! Has the suffering and hardship suddenly vanished? Hm!”
Another user demanded accountability, stating, “We the people of Ghana demand accountability from John Dramani Mahama. 1. Why has he abandoned the presidential jet but is using a private jet belonging to his brother for both local and international travels? 2. Is the state paying for the jet’s fuel and maintenance?”
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“Why did President Mahama reject the GH 001 presidential jet, despite it being in good condition, just to use another private jet?”
“Why is the President using his brother’s private jet for internal and external travels? Where is our presidential jet? “another questioned.
“Breaking News: Fellow Ghanaians, are you aware your President—John Mahama (@JDMahama)—visited Gambia with his brother Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet? @S_OkudzetoAblak, do you know how much we are paying?”
“GH 001 is in pristine condition. Yet President Mahama refuses to fly it, choosing instead to charter another aircraft. Coming events do cast their shadows.”
In response, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, a former deputy minister and a member of Mahama’s team, addressed the public’s concerns in an interview on TV3. He clarified that the decision to use the private jet was neither an indulgence nor a financial burden on the state.
“President Mahama has been using the Dzata private jet since his time in opposition,” Kwakye Ofosu stated. “The cost of these flights has never been borne by taxpayers. It is a private arrangement facilitated by his brother.”
Kwakye Ofosu also provided context, revealing that Mahama, in his capacity as commander-in-chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, had requested a comprehensive report on the state of the communication squadron, the military unit responsible for maintaining the presidential aircraft.
“So far, that report is yet to come in. Until then, the president continues to use the same mode of travel he relied on while in opposition,” Kwakye Ofosu explained.
He further emphasized the president’s commitment to prudent financial management, highlighting the economic challenges Ghana currently faces. “President Mahama is fully aware of the economic difficulties the country is enduring. His use of the private jet reflects his dedication to ensuring that public funds are not misused. This arrangement costs the state nothing.”
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