The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the government does not rent the private jet owned by his brother and businessman Ibrahim Mahama. He explained that the state only covers fuel and operational costs when President John Dramani Mahama uses the aircraft for official travel.
Speaking on the arrangement, Kwakye Ofosu said the aircraft, popularly known as Dzata, remains the property of its owner, and all maintenance, servicing, and crew expenses—including pilot salaries—are borne solely by the owner.
“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 stated.
He further noted that the arrangement significantly reduces government expenditure, as chartering an aircraft would involve rental fees in addition to fuel, maintenance, and operational 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 while in use. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” Kwakye Ofosu explained.
The clarification comes after concerns were raised by the Minority in Parliament and the president of the policy think tank IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, regarding the President’s use of the private jet for official trips, including his recent visit to South Korea.
