The government says President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for some official trips is helping the state avoid the high cost of chartering aircraft.
According to the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the state only pays operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the aircraft—known as Dzata—is used for presidential travel.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the government does not cover maintenance, servicing, or personnel costs related to the aircraft.
He said those responsibilities, including payment of the pilot and other crew members, are handled entirely by the jet’s owner.
“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.
Kwakye Ofosu noted that chartering an aircraft would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to operational and maintenance costs for the duration of the trip.
He argued that by using the privately owned aircraft instead of renting one, the government is reducing the financial burden on the state.
The explanation follows concerns raised by members of the Minority in Parliament and policy think tank IMANI Africa over the President’s use of the jet for official engagements, including a recent trip to South Korea.
The government, however, maintains that the arrangement represents a cost-saving measure for presidential travel while ensuring that official duties are carried out efficiently.
