….Insists they are free of charge from Ibrahim
The Herald has learned that Ibrahim Mahama, the younger brother of President John Dramani Mahama, has placed two of his private jets at the President’s disposal since he assumed office.
This arrangement has been made, while awaiting a detailed report on the state of the Communications Squadron—the Ghana Air Force unit responsible for handling the presidential aircraft.
The two private aircraft, have been used for both international and domestic travel by President Mahama.
According to sources, the Bombardier 604 luxury jet, a dark grey aircraft named Dzata, has primarily been deployed for trips within Africa and occasional journeys to Dubai.
For domestic travels, a white propeller aircraft has been used, including on January 18, 2025, when the President flew to Kumasi to attend the Akwasidae Festival at the Manhyia Palace, hosted by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
Sources reveal that the white propeller aircraft has been at President Mahama’s disposal for years and was extensively utilized during his 2024 presidential campaign.
In response to public speculation and criticism, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the acting spokesperson for President Mahama, has categorically stated that the use of Ibrahim Mahama’s private jets has not incurred any cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer.
“There has been no expense whatsoever to the taxpayer for the President’s use of the Dzata jet. This alternative arrangement has not, in any way, shape, or form, cost the Ghanaian taxpayer a dime,” Kwakye Ofosu said in an interview with TV3 on January 17, 2025.
He added, “President Mahama is mindful of the precarious economic situation we are in and is committed to utilizing public funds in the most prudent way. He is not about to spend millions of Ghanaian cedis, as was the case under the previous government, to rent expensive aircraft. This aircraft has been available to him since his days in opposition and continues to serve him at no cost to the taxpayer.”
Kwakye Ofosu, also explained that the President has requested a comprehensive report on the state of the GH 001 presidential jet and the Communications Squadron. However, the report from the Ghana Armed Forces has not yet been submitted, necessitating the continued use of his brother’s private jets.
“President Mahama is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. Since taking office, he has requested a detailed report on the state of the Communications Squadron, including the condition of the planes under their control. Until that report is received, the President has been traveling in the same manner as he did during his time in opposition, using the Dzata jet,” he explained.
The President’s use of his brother’s private jets has sparked intense debate on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter). Critics have raised concerns about accountability and questioned why the presidential jet is not being utilized.
A user wrote:
“It’s surprising that the media, CSOs, and the public are silent about the President’s decision to charter a private jet at taxpayers’ expense, especially when the country already has a suitable aircraft for presidential use! Has the suffering and hardship suddenly vanished? Hm!”
Another demanded answers:
“Why has President Mahama abandoned the presidential jet but is using a private jet belonging to his brother for both local and international travels? Is the state paying for the jet’s fuel and maintenance?”
Others questioned the condition of the presidential aircraft:
“Why did President Mahama reject the GH 001 presidential jet, despite it being in good condition, just to use another private jet?”
“Breaking News: Fellow Ghanaians, are you aware your President—John Mahama (@JDMahama)—visited Gambia with his brother Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet? How much are we paying?”
In addressing these concerns, Kwakye Ofosu reiterated that President Mahama remains committed to transparency and financial prudence.
“The most critical point that should be made is that this alternative arrangement does not cost a dime of taxpayers’ money,” Kwakye Ofosu emphasized. “President Mahama is mindful of the precarious economic situation we are in and is committed to utilizing public funds responsibly. This aircraft has been available to him since his time in opposition and continues to serve him at no expense to the taxpayer.”
He assured Ghanaians that once the report on the presidential jet is received, President Mahama will transition to using the official aircraft, pending its condition and readiness.