Mahama opts for commercial flight on Japan-Singapore trip to cut expenses

President John Dramani Mahama has opted to travel to Japan and Singapore aboard a commercial flight. A move, his office says, is part of efforts to reduce the cost of governance and ensure prudent use of public funds.

According to Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, the decision underscores the President’s long-held belief that leaders must lead by example, especially during a period when the government is prioritising economic discipline and fiscal responsibility.

The trip is expected to centre on strengthening bilateral ties with Japan and Singapore, with discussions focusing on trade, investment, and development cooperation. It also marks part of ongoing efforts by the Mahama administration to attract partnerships that can boost Ghana’s economic growth.

Mr. Dogbe dismissed allegations from sections of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) claiming that the President departed Accra after the state thanksgiving service for the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, and other officials who perished in the recent helicopter crash, aboard a luxurious chartered aircraft. He described the claims as misleading, stressing that the President specifically chose a commercial airline to demonstrate modesty and efficiency in public spending.

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President Mahama has already directed government appointees to cut back on non-essential travel and to use economy class flights where possible, in line with the administration’s cost-saving measures.

The decision contrasts sharply with the travel practices of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who faced criticism during his tenure for frequently chartering expensive private jets for official trips.