Executive Secretary to President John Mahama has revealed that Ghana is expected to acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s state aviation capacity.
In an article addressing public concerns about recent presidential travel arrangements, Callistus Mahama, said plans are already underway to expand Ghana’s presidential fleet and ensure the country can rely fully on its own state assets for official travel.
The development follows public debate over the use of an aircraft belonging to the President’s brother for some official international trips, a situation that has raised concerns about the perception of a possible conflict of interest.
According to Mr Mahama, the current arrangements are temporary and largely influenced by the operational limitations of the state’s available aircraft.
He explained that some of the platforms historically used for presidential travel were not designed for long-range diplomatic missions, while others face technical and operational constraints that make certain journeys difficult.
“Plans are already underway to strengthen Ghana’s presidential air transport capability as part of the broader retooling of the Armed Forces.
“By November this year, the country is expected to have additional aircraft within the presidential fleet, including one dedicated to the President’s travel,” he wrote.
Dr. Mahama noted that once the new aircraft are operational, Ghana will be able to rely fully on state-owned platforms for the safe and efficient transportation of the Head of State, eliminating the need for temporary arrangements.
He emphasised that presidential travel involves complex considerations, including security protocols, diplomatic schedules, communication systems, and the need for the President to remain fully functional as the executive authority even while travelling abroad.
Dr. Mahama also acknowledged that public perception matters in matters of governance, noting that citizens are justified in questioning arrangements that appear unusual.
He stressed that the administration remains committed to rebuilding public trust under President Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which seeks to improve institutional capacity and promote responsible governance.
The planned acquisition of additional aircraft, he added, forms part of a broader effort to re-equip and modernise the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He expressed optimism that once the new aircraft are delivered and operational, Ghana will have a more stable and self-reliant arrangement for presidential travel.
