Award‑winning investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has reignited discussions on ethics, public office, and private wealth in Ghana by posing a hypothetical scenario involving Gabby Asare Otchere‑Darko and the use of private aviation for official purposes.
The commentary comes amid public debate over Ibrahim Mahama, brother of President John Dramani Mahama, and his private jet.
In early March 2026, Ibrahim Mahama made headlines after acquiring a Bombardier Global 6500 private jet, reportedly valued at around US$70 million, prompting scrutiny over wealth, timing, and fiscal priorities.
Rather than criticising Ibrahim Mahama, Azure framed a hypothetical:
“If Gabby Otchere‑Darko were a private bussinessman, owned a private jet, and President Akufo‑Addo used it for official trips…”
Through this scenario, the journalist invited public reflection on whether such an arrangement would raise ethical concerns similar to those debated around Ibrahim Mahama’s jet, probing perceptions of power, influence, and the intersection of private wealth with state functions.
Although Gabby Otchere‑Darko does not own a private jet, the hypothetical resonates because Ibrahim Mahama’s aircraft has already been part of public discourse.
His previous jet has also been repurposed as an air ambulance, supporting emergency medical evacuations across the country — a move Ibrahim Mahama described as benefiting “every Ghanaian” rather than serving as a personal asset.
For context, Gabby Otchere‑Darko and former President Nana Akufo‑Addo are first cousins. In interviews, Otchere‑Darko has emphasised that their relationship is grounded in family and friendship rather than formal political authority.
He has recounted visiting the president socially — sometimes late at night — but holding no official government role, despite public speculation about his influence.
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