By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for GhanaianNewsCanada
In the latest twist of Ghanaian political discourse, the use of a private jet owned by President Ibrahim Mahama’s brother for official presidential travel has reignited public debate. While critics condemn the move as a breach of ethical norms, some financial experts insist that private resources can be used, provided full transparency is ensured.
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews on Saturday, Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance Ghana, Joe Jackson, stated that there is nothing inherently wrong with the president utilising his brother’s private jet for state business, as long as the arrangement is open and properly documented.
“If I am a CEO of Dalex, it doesn’t mean my brother cannot provide certain services, but that decision cannot be taken by me. It should be thoroughly transparent. The president’s brother can undertake certain services, but the appearance of a conflict of interest is avoided by being transparent. By declaring: this is the value, this is how it costs to run the jet, this is the services provided,” Mr Jackson explained.
However, not everyone shares this view. Walewale Member of Parliament, Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, has accused the president of breaching the Code of Conduct for government appointees by repeatedly relying on a private jet for international trips.
Meanwhile, political tensions flare as Assin South MP, John Ntim Fordjour, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he terms “reckless politics.” He recalled that the NDC was highly critical of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s travel arrangements while in opposition, only to adopt similar practices once in power.
“The criticism levelled against the Akufo-Addo administration at the time was politically motivated rather than principled,” Mr Fordjour said, stressing that the presidential jet must always be functional and available for official travel, echoing demands the NDC made when they were in opposition.
Commentary:
This debate is not just about jets, it is about public trust, governance ethics, and the fine line between convenience and impropriety. Leaders must remember that perception often weighs as heavily as reality. While private resources may occasionally supplement state functions, the Ghanaian people have a right to full clarity on costs, agreements, and accountability. Without transparency, even the most innocent arrangement risks being seen as favoritism or self-enrichment.
As this story develops, Ghanaians will be watching closely, asking whether convenience will continue to trump ethical clarity at the highest office in the land.
Tags: Ibrahim Mahama, John Mahama, Private Jet, Presidential Travel, Transparency
