The government has provided an official explanation regarding the financial arrangements surrounding the private aircraft, Dzata, owned by prominent businessman Ibrahim Mahama and occasionally used by his brother, John Dramani Mahama, for certain official journeys.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State responsible for Government Communications, emphasised that all maintenance, servicing, and personnel costs associated with the aircraft—including the pilot and flight crew—are entirely the responsibility of its private owner. According to the minister, the government only assumes operational expenditures, such as aviation fuel and landing fees, when the aircraft is deployed for presidential travel on official business.
Speaking during an interview on Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, the minister clarified that this arrangement allows the state to avoid the significantly higher expenses that would result from chartering a separate aircraft for official trips.
“The President does not lease or rent the aircraft; he merely covers the cost of fuel. Ownership of the plane remains with a private individual, who is responsible for the pilot and supporting personnel,” he explained, highlighting the practical and fiscal advantages of the current arrangement.
He further elaborated that renting a commercial aircraft would entail additional costs, including rental fees as well as fuel and maintenance during the period of use—expenses the government would otherwise have to absorb. “If the President were to charter an aircraft, the state would be responsible for both the leasing fee and all associated operational costs while it is in use. By utilising a privately owned aircraft in this manner, public funds are preserved,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
The clarification comes amid growing scrutiny from opposition lawmakers and policy research organisations, including the Minority in Parliament and IMANI Africa, who have questioned the propriety of the President using a privately owned jet for official international travel, such as his recent trip to South Korea.
Officials insist that the arrangement remains fully compliant with government financial management guidelines, ensuring that the state bears only necessary operational costs while avoiding unnecessary expenditure, and that no public funds are expended on aircraft ownership, pilot salaries, or ongoing maintenance.
This explanation seeks to address public concerns and underscore the government’s commitment to transparency and fiscal prudence in relation to the logistical arrangements for presidential travel.
