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The Minister of State-designate for Government Communications, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has asserted that President John Mahama is committed to cost-effective travel, emphasising that he does not indulge in extravagance or unnecessary luxury.
During his vetting on Friday, January 31, Mr. Kwakye highlighted the president’s personal dedication to financial prudence.
He explained that Mahama consistently prioritises economical travel options to safeguard public funds.
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Recalling his experiences travelling with the president, Mr. Kwakye provided examples of Mahama’s preference for modesty in official trips.
“President Mahama is not one who is given to flamboyance and ostentation. I’ve had the distinct pleasure of travelling with him a couple of times. There was a day that we were supposed to join a commercial aircraft. He was willing to go onto that aircraft that had only two seats left without any of his aides,” he recounted.
He further shared an instance where Mahama flew from Frankfurt to Accra in economy class without any complaints, even when more comfortable alternatives were available.
Drawing comparisons between Mahama and his predecessor, former President Nana Akufo-Addo, Mr. Kwakye noted that unlike Akufo-Addo—who frequently opted for costly private jet rentals—Mahama has always prioritised cost-effective options.
He assured Ghanaians that once the presidential aircraft is confirmed to be in good condition, Mahama would use it for all official trips unless exceptional circumstances necessitate an alternative.
“He will use it every single time that he has to travel, unless, of course, some circumstance makes it impossible; even then, he will choose the cheapest option available to the extent that it is safe and can take him to wherever he has to go,” Mr. Kwakye reiterated.
Mr. Kwakye’s remarks come at a time when concerns over government travel expenditures have sparked widespread debate. Critics have raised issues about the financial burden of renting private jets, questioning why state resources should be used for such expenses.
Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has been vocal in his criticism of Mahama’s choice to use his brother’s private jet for official duties rather than the state-owned presidential aircraft. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Wednesday, January 22, Mr. Nitiwul argued that the decision to sideline the presidential jet was unjustified.
“I’m saying that there’s a lack of sincerity,” the Bimbilla MP remarked.
He pointed out that the presidential jet remains operational, citing instances where former President Akufo-Addo had used it for official trips within Ghana, such as travelling to Takoradi for the commissioning of a naval base and flying to Kumasi in late December.
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