The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the government does not cover maintenance or servicing costs for the private jet (Dzata) owned by Ibrahim Mahama and used by his brother, President John Dramani Mahama, for some official trips.
According to him, the responsibility for maintaining the aircraft, including paying the pilot and other crew members, rests solely with its owner, while the state only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the President uses the jet for official travel.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the arrangement helps the government avoid the higher costs associated with chartering an aircraft for presidential trips.
“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 further noted that renting an aircraft would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and maintenance costs for the period the aircraft is in use, a cost the government has avoided.
“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.
His clarification comes amid concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament and policy think tank IMANI Africa regarding the President’s use of the private jet for official trips, including his recent visit to South Korea.
