Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has questioned criticism surrounding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet owned by his brother for international travel.
This follows Minority accusing President Mahama of breaching the Code of Conduct for government appointees by repeatedly using a private jet owned by his brother for official international travel.
Speaking to JoyNews in Parliament, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) legislator said the arrangement raises serious ethical concerns and creates what he described as a “palpable conflict of interest.”
Responding to concerns raised by the opposition NPP in an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on March 12, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu asked what the real issue was with the arrangement, insisting that the President’s decision actually saves the country money.
“What exactly is the problem with the President’s use of his brother’s jet?” he asked.
According to him, the aircraft belongs to businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and the state does not pay rental fees when it is used for presidential travel.
He explained that the government only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges, unlike chartered flights, which can cost about $18,000 per hour.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the arrangement was necessary because Ghana’s current presidential jet has experienced several breakdowns, raising safety and reliability concerns.
He disclosed that the Communications Squadron of the Ghana Air Force had previously recommended the acquisition of new aircraft, including a presidential jet, to address the issue.
He added that the Cabinet approved the proposal and the procurement plan was subsequently endorsed by the Parliament of Ghana. According to him, the use of the private jet is only an interim measure while the government waits for the arrival of the new aircraft.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the criticism as unnecessary, stressing that the President’s decision is intended to reduce the cost of official travel.
“The President is avoiding expensive aircraft rentals and saving the taxpayer money,” he said
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com