The government has strongly defended President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to use a private jet owned by his brother for an official trip to South Korea, insisting that the arrangement was both cost-effective and practical.
According to the Minister of State for Government Communications, the state only covered essential operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges, avoiding the significantly higher costs associated with chartering an aircraft. Officials explained that the presidential jet has faced persistent technical issues and lacks the range required for long-distance travel, making alternative arrangements necessary.
Despite these explanations, the decision has sparked criticism from sections of the opposition, who argue that the arrangement raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. Some lawmakers have called for greater transparency regarding the criteria used for selecting travel options for the President.
The issue has since evolved into a broader political debate about accountability and governance, with civil society groups also urging clarity on how such decisions align with existing codes of conduct for public officials.
Source: Newsghana.com.gh
