The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the government does not pay maintenance or servicing costs for the private jet used by President John Dramani Mahama for some official trips.
According to him, the aircraft, known as Dzata, belongs to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and all maintenance-related expenses—including the payment of the pilot and other crew members—are the responsibility of its owner.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Thursday, March 12, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the government only pays operational costs such as fuel and landing charges when the President uses the aircraft for official travel.
“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 explained that the arrangement allows the government to avoid the higher costs associated with chartering an aircraft for presidential travel.
According to him, renting an aircraft would require the government to pay a rental fee in addition to covering fuel and maintenance costs for the duration of the trip.
“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 added.
The clarification comes amid concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament of Ghana and policy think tank IMANI Africa regarding the President’s use of the private jet for official travel.
The issue gained attention following the President’s recent trip to South Korea, with critics calling for greater transparency about the costs and arrangements surrounding presidential travel.
Presidential travel arrangements in Ghana have often attracted public and political scrutiny, particularly regarding the cost of chartering aircraft and the use of private jets for official duties. Government officials have, however, maintained that current arrangements are intended to reduce expenditure while ensuring the President is able to undertake official international engagements.
