Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has raised questions about President John Mahama’s decision to avoid using Ghana’s presidential jet for official international travel. According to Mr. Nitiwul, the jet is fully operational and should be utilized instead of opting for commercial or private flights.
The issue surfaced during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, after a communication was read informing Members of Parliament that President Mahama was traveling to the United Arab Emirates.
MPs from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) questioned the President’s mode of transportation, prompting Roads and Highways Minister-designate Kwame Governs Agbodza to clarify that President Mahama had taken a commercial flight for his trip.
However, Mr. Nitiwul found this explanation unsatisfactory, calling it inappropriate for the President to forgo the presidential jet, which he said is in good condition.
“It is offensive that the President of the Republic is using commercial flights when the presidential jet, which Ghana paid for, is serviceable and fully operational,” Mr. Nitiwul argued. He further noted that in the past, private jets were only rented when the official presidential jet was unavailable.
The matter has sparked broader debate, with critics questioning why President Mahama has, on occasion, opted to use a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official trips.
Agbodza and Forson Defend Mahama’s Travel Practices
Kwame Governs Agbodza pushed back against the criticism, questioning the actions of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who often used a luxury private jet during his tenure, citing maintenance issues with the presidential jet.
“So how come you didn’t put the former President on the same flight?” Agbodza asked. “Suddenly, the jet becomes serviceable only after your administration left office? Are you saying the current President must now use the jet because you want him to?”
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson also weighed in, dismissing allegations that President Mahama had rented private jets since assuming office. Dr. Forson maintained that the President has relied solely on commercial flights or available alternatives for his travels.
A Broader Controversy
The debate over the use of Ghana’s presidential jet reflects ongoing tensions over government spending and priorities. Critics of President Mahama argue that the jet, purchased with taxpayer money, should not be left idle. Meanwhile, his defenders contend that the President’s travel arrangements prioritize practicality and cost-effectiveness.
As discussions continue, the matter has highlighted the contrasting travel practices of successive administrations, fueling public discourse on accountability and resource management in governance.
SOURCE: http://dew360.net
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