State only pays fuel for Dzata jet used by President – Kwakye Ofosu

The government has clarified that it does not bear the costs of maintaining or servicing the private jet, Dzata, owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, which President John Dramani Mahama occasionally uses for official trips.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, explained that the responsibility for the aircraft’s upkeep—including pilot and crew salaries—remains entirely with the owner. The state’s involvement is limited solely to operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the President travels on official business.

Speaking to Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, Kwakye Ofosu said the arrangement is intended to save public funds by avoiding the higher costs that would arise from renting or chartering an aircraft for presidential trips.

“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 emphasized.

Kwakye Ofosu further explained that if the government were to charter a plane, it would incur not only rental fees but also the cost of fuel and all maintenance expenses for the 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 added.

His clarification comes in response to concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament and the policy think tank IMANI Africa over the use of a private jet for official travel. The issue gained attention after the President’s recent visit to South Korea, where he undertook multiple engagements with government officials and members of the Ghanaian community living in the country.

According to Kwakye Ofosu, this arrangement defines the financial roles of the government and the aircraft owner for presidential trips, with the state covering operational costs and the owner handling maintenance and staffing.