Felix Kwakye Ofosu
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the government does not cover maintenance or servicing costs for the private jet owned by Ibrahim Mahama, which is used by his brother, President John Dramani Mahama, for official trips.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the responsibility for maintaining the aircraft, known as “Dzata,” including paying the pilot and crew, rests solely with its owner adding that the state only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the President utilizes the jet for official travel.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that this 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 stated.
He further elaborated that renting an aircraft would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and maintenance costs during its use, a financial burden the government has managed to avoid.
“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.
President Mahama’s use of his brother, Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet has sparked controversy, after previously condemning past administrations for similar practices.
The Minority in Parliament has questioned the President’s use of the private jet for official trips, including his recent visit to South Korea.
Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and MP for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, along with Vincent Ekow Assafuah, MP for Old Tafo, have filed parliamentary questions seeking clarification from the Ministers of Defence and Foreign Affairs.
Critics, including President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, argue that the use of a private jet sends conflicting signals about the government’s stance on public sector discipline and may revive criticisms associated with the “dead goat syndrome.”
Political aide Kofi Tonto has also labeled the decision as unethical, given President Mahama’s previous criticisms of former governments for using private jets.
The Dzata jet has been utilized for trips to South Korea, Qatar, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire.