The John Mahama administration says it plans to add new aircraft to the presidential fleet by November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s state aviation capacity, according to Executive Secretary at the Office of the President Dr Callistus Mahama.
The announcement comes amid public debate over the use of a private aircraft belonging to the brother of President John Dramani Mahama for official travel.
In an article addressing the issue, Dr Mahama said plans are already underway to improve the country’s presidential air transport capability.
“By November this year, the country is expected to have additional aircraft within the presidential fleet, including one dedicated to the President’s travel,” he wrote.
Motivation
The Executive Secretary said the move forms part of broader efforts to retool the Ghana Armed Forces and strengthen operational capacities within state aviation.
He noted that Ghana’s current aircraft used for presidential or governmental travel face technical and operational constraints, particularly for long-distance diplomatic engagements.
According to him, commercial travel is also not always feasible for a sitting president because of security requirements and logistical challenges involved in managing official duties during transit.
Growing debate
The debate was triggered after some Ghanaians raised concerns about the potential perception of conflict of interest in the temporary use of a private aircraft linked to the president’s family.
Callistus Mahama said the presidency had taken the concerns seriously, stressing that leadership must remain mindful of public trust.
He added that once the new aircraft arrive, Ghana will be able to rely fully on state assets for presidential travel, ending the need for temporary arrangements.
More clarity
In a related development the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has clarified that the government does not cover maintenance or servicing costs for the private jet (Dzata) owned by Ibrahim Mahama and used by his brother, President John Dramani Mahama, for some official trips.
According to him, the responsibility for maintaining the aircraft, including paying the pilot and other crew members, rests solely with its owner, while the state only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the President uses the jet for official travel.
Kwakye Ofosu explained in a Citi News interview that the arrangement helps the government avoid the higher costs associated with chartering an aircraft for presidential 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 further noted that renting an aircraft would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and maintenance costs for the period the aircraft is in use, a cost the government has avoided.
“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.
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