Mahama’s trips on Dzata private jet has not cost the Ghanaian taxpayer a dime – Kwakye Ofosu

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Acting Spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama, has emphatically stated that the President’s use of the Dzata private jet comes at no cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer.

There has been much speculation among some Ghanaians on social media after President Mahama traveled on the private jet owned by his businessman brother, Ibrahim Mahama, to The Gambia.

Some individuals have quoted substantial sums of money, alleging that the Ghanaian taxpayer would cover the cost of the President’s flight to the West African country.

However, speaking to TV3, the President’s spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, emphasized that no money has been paid for the President’s use of the jet, as it was provided to him free of charge by his brother.

“This alternative arrangement has not, in any way, shape, or form, cost the Ghanaian taxpayer a dime. President Mahama is mindful of the precarious economic situation we are in and, therefore, 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 he has used it. In fact, some of his visits immediately after his election as President in December 2024 were made using this jet. It has not led to any cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer. President Mahama is committed to using the presidential jet as soon as he receives the all-clear from the Communications Squadron of the Ghana Air Force.”

Felix Kwakye Ofosu also explained why President Mahama used his brother’s private jet instead of the presidential jet.

“President Mahama is the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces. Since becoming President, he has requested a detailed report on the state of the Communications Squadron, the unit within the Air Force that handles the presidential aircraft. He has asked for a brief on the unit and the planes under their control. That report has not yet been received, so pending its arrival, the President has been traveling the same way he did during his time in opposition, using the Dzata jet.”