March 15, 2026 

Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, has responded to public concerns surrounding the use of a private aircraft reportedly owned by the brother of John Dramani Mahama for some official presidential trips.

In an opinion article, Dr. Mahama acknowledged that the issue has recently sparked public debate, with some citizens questioning whether the arrangement could create the perception of a conflict of interest.

He noted that such scrutiny is an important part of democratic governance, where citizens are entitled to question the actions and decisions of public officials.

“The most frequently raised concern is whether the arrangement may create the perception of a conflict of interest,” he stated, emphasizing that public concerns about leadership conduct should be taken seriously.

His response follows reports that the president has used an aircraft owned by his brother for certain official travel engagements.

Dr. Mahama explained that while the public may see the aircraft taking off or landing, the detailed planning and considerations behind presidential travel are often not visible.

According to him, presidential travel involves complex requirements, including strict security arrangements, diplomatic obligations, reliable communication systems, and the need for the Head of State to remain fully operational even while away from Accra.

He also pointed out that Ghana’s current state aviation capacity faces certain limitations. Some aircraft previously used for government travel were not designed for long-distance diplomatic missions, while others have operational constraints.

Dr. Mahama added that although some people suggest commercial flights as an alternative, such options are often impractical for a sitting president due to security and logistical considerations, particularly during international engagements.

Despite these challenges, he acknowledged that public perception remains crucial in matters involving leadership and the use of public resources.

“Even when a practical solution exists, leaders must remain mindful of how the public interprets it,” he wrote.

Dr. Mahama further revealed that efforts are underway to strengthen the country’s presidential air transport system as part of a broader retooling initiative within the Ghana Armed Forces.

He indicated that additional aircraft are expected to be added to the presidential fleet later this year, including one dedicated specifically for presidential travel. This, he said, will allow the government to rely entirely on state-owned aviation assets in the future.

The ongoing discussion, he added, highlights the growing expectations among citizens for transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.