The government has defended President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official travel, stating that the arrangement does not impose additional maintenance costs on the state.
According to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the government only pays operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges whenever the aircraft is used for presidential duties.
He explained that the responsibility for maintaining the aircraft, including servicing and payment of the pilot and other crew members, is borne entirely by the owner.
The clarification comes amid concerns raised by the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, who has questioned the transparency and implications of the arrangement.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Asafo-Adjei argued that the use of a private jet belonging to the President’s brother could create a “false sense of free,” warning that such arrangements could potentially lead to conflicts of interest.
He maintained that accepting the use of the aircraft without clear financial arrangements could raise questions about accountability and expectations of future benefits.
The issue has sparked debate over the ethics of using privately owned assets for official government functions, with critics calling for greater transparency regarding the full costs associated with presidential travel.
The discussion also touches on broader concerns about governance standards and the need to ensure that official decisions remain free from potential personal or business influence.
