Government Only Pays Fuel for Private Jet Used by Mahama — Kwakye Ofosu
March 13,2026
The Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, has clarified that the government only pays for fuel and other operational expenses when John Dramani Mahama uses a private jet belonging to his brother for official trips.
According to him, the aircraft, known as Dzata, is owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, who remains responsible for its maintenance and operational management.
Speaking on radio which was monitored by vistanewsgh.com on Thursday, March 12, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the state does not cover servicing, maintenance, or staff costs associated with the aircraft. Instead, the owner of the jet retains responsibility for paying the pilot and other crew members.
He noted that the government only settles operational costs such as fuel and landing charges when the President uses the aircraft for official travel.
“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 explained.
Kwakye Ofosu added that the arrangement helps the government avoid the higher expenses associated with chartering aircraft for presidential trips.
According to him, chartering a jet would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and maintenance costs for the entire duration of its 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 during the time he is using it. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” he said.
The clarification follows concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament and policy think tank IMANI Africa regarding the President’s use of the private jet for official travels, including his recent trip to South Korea.
