adverts
Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo never rented private jets for domestic travel during his tenure, former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has clarified.
Addressing Parliament on January 22, 2025, during a debate about President John Dramani Mahama’s use of his brother’s private jet, Nitiwul refuted allegations by Majority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza that Akufo-Addo frequently rented private jets.
Nitiwul stated that while Akufo-Addo occasionally used private jets for international travel beyond West Africa, his domestic travels were conducted using other means, including commercial flights and the official presidential aircraft.
adverts
“I’m not here to do propaganda,” Nitiwul said. “Former President Akufo-Addo never rented any private jet to travel within the country. Outside West Africa, yes, but in the country, no.”
He cited several instances of Akufo-Addo travelling on commercial airlines like Emirates, British Airways, and Qatar Airways for international engagements. “It’s on record. Former President Akufo-Addo has travelled to the UK with British Airways and Qatar Airways on numerous occasions,” he added.
Nitiwul also clarified that Akufo-Addo used the official presidential aircraft throughout his tenure, including the last eight months of his presidency after it was returned from servicing in France.
Meanwhile, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, acting spokesperson for President John Dramani Mahama, defended Mahama’s use of his brother Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet for official trips to Senegal and The Gambia.
Kwakye Ofosu explained that the arrangement incurs no cost to the taxpayer and that the private jet has been available for Mahama’s use since before the 2024 general elections.
He attributed the use of the private jet to the ongoing review of the official presidential aircraft by the Communications Squadron of the Ghana Air Force.
“This is a cost-effective and practical solution to ensure the president’s work continues smoothly,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
