The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the government only pays for fuel and other operational charges when President John Dramani Mahama uses a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official trips.
According to him, the aircraft—known as Dzata—is fully maintained by its owner, who also takes responsibility for servicing, pilot salaries, and other crew-related expenses.
Speaking in an interview on Thursday, March 12, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the state does not bear maintenance or servicing costs for the jet when it is used for presidential 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 said.
He added that the arrangement helps the government avoid the higher expenses associated with chartering aircraft for presidential trips.
According to him, renting a plane would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to covering fuel and maintenance costs during the period of use.
“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 explained.
The clarification follows concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament and policy think tank IMANI Africa over the President’s use of the private jet for official travel, including his recent visit to South Korea.
