Compiled by: Daniel Dammir Laar a.k.a DaDamLaar of BEDEREN FM in Bunkpurugu of the North East Region of Ghana.
19th August,2025
Where is the president of Ghana currently and through what means and mode did he travel?
President John Dramani Mahama has traveled to Japan and Singapore on a commercial flight, as confirmed by Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Dogbe. This decision reflects the President’s commitment to prudent use of state resources, especially during a time when the government is focused on strengthening economic management and cutting costs.
President Mahama’s Trip Details:
Destination: Japan and Singapore
Purpose: To deepen bilateral relations, expand trade and investment links, and advance cooperation on shared development priorities
Mode of Transport: Commercial flight
Itinerary:
Japan: Attend the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX) and participate in a Ghana Presidential Investment Forum to showcase Ghana’s investment opportunities and “Resetting Ghana” agenda
Singapore: Hold discussions with President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, participate in the Africa-Singapore Business Forum, and deliver a keynote address at a Ghana-Singapore investment forum.
Regarding the use of commercial vehicles versus V8s for MPs and ministers, it’s a topic of ongoing debate in Ghana. Some argue that using commercial vehicles would be a more cost-effective and practical solution, while others believe that official vehicles are necessary for security and dignified representation.
As for the controversy surrounding the presidential jet, it has indeed been a point of contention between the NDC and NPP. However, President Mahama’s decision to travel on a commercial flight demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency.
Using commercial flights for presidential travel has both practical and symbolic implications.
Pros of Commercial Flights:
Cost-Effective: Commercial flights can be more budget-friendly, as the costs are standardized and don’t involve the extravagant expenses associated with operating a presidential jet.
Fuel Efficiency: With the increasing focus on reducing carbon footprints, commercial flights can be a more environmentally friendly option.
Public Relatability: Flying commercial can humanize the president and demonstrate a commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Cons of Commercial Flights:
Security Concerns: Presidential security would be a significant challenge on commercial flights, potentially compromising the safety of the president and other passengers.
Logistical Challenges: Accommodating the president’s schedule and security requirements on commercial flights could be complicated and inflexible.
Precedent: No president has flown commercial in recent history, making it a potentially unprecedented and attention-grabbing move.
Presidential Travel Precedents:
Nixon’s Commercial Flight: In 1973, President Nixon flew commercial to demonstrate fuel efficiency during the oil crisis, but this was an exceptional circumstance.
Current Practices: Typically, the president travels on Air Force One, a customized Boeing 747, for security, efficiency, and diplomatic purposes.
Conclusion:
While using commercial flights for presidential travel has some benefits, the security, logistical, and symbolic implications of such a decision would need careful consideration. Ultimately, the decision would depend on the specific context and priorities of the presidency.
The debate surrounding the use of commercial flights versus private jets for government officials, including MPs and ministers, has been ongoing in Ghana. The controversy gained significant attention during the 2024 elections, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) trading criticisms over the use of presidential jets.
Key Points:
NDC’s Stance: The NDC has been accused of hypocrisy over its stance on presidential jets. While in opposition, they criticized the NPP for using private jets, but when Vice President Opoku-Agyemang used a private jet due to the unavailability of the presidential jet, they justified it as necessary.
NPP’s Defense: The NPP has defended its use of private jets, citing the limitations of the presidential jet’s range and capacity. President Akufo-Addo’s use of private jets for long-haul trips was criticized by the NDC, but the NPP argued it was necessary.
Otumfuo’s Call: The Otumfuo, a respected figure in Ghana, has called for an end to the politicization of the presidential aircraft issue, emphasizing the need for a more mature conversation about state asset management.
Potential Solutions:
Depoliticization: Depoliticizing the management of state assets, including presidential jets, could help reduce partisanship and promote more responsible governance.
Commercial Flights: Using commercial flights for government officials could be a cost-effective alternative, but it may not be practical for all situations, especially for high-ranking officials like the President and Vice President.
Transparent Policies: Establishing clear, transparent policies for government travel could help build trust and reduce criticism.
Ultimately, finding a solution will require a nuanced approach that balances fiscal responsibility with the needs of government officials.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has been a vocal critic of President Nana Akufo-Addo’s use of private jets for official trips. Some key points about what Ablakwa and others have said:
Ablakwa’s Criticism: Ablakwa questioned the use of a luxurious private jet for trips to France, Belgium, and South Africa when the country’s presidential jet is available for use. He alleged that the President spent around GHS 2.8 million on his recent travels to South Africa and France using a private jet.
Private Jet Costs: Ablakwa claimed that the Airbus ACJ320neo, the private jet used by the President, costs approximately £15,000 an hour. He accused the President of blowing millions of Ghanaian cedis to satisfy his “insatiable appetite and comfort at the expense of the suffering masses”.
Comparison to Presidential Jet: Ablakwa has also emphasized that the presidential jet is safer than private jets, citing concerns about the crew members and squadrons on private jets. He noted that the presidential jet is manned by known Ghanaian squadrons, whereas private jets have foreign crew members who may record the President’s activities.
Contrasting Views: However, Ablakwa has also commended the President for using the presidential jet for trips to Germany and Ethiopia, stating that it saved the taxpayer GHS 6.5 million.
NPP’s Defense: The NPP has defended the President’s use of private jets, citing security concerns and the need to prioritize the President’s safety. Moses Amoah, the NPP Secretary for Navrongo Central Constituency, argued that the life and safety of the President matter most and that no amount of money can buy that.
Some other notable comments on the issue include:
Rev. John Ntim Fordjour: The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament called on Ablakwa to resign and apologize to President Akufo-Addo for politicizing the issue of presidential travels. He urged the government to submit a proposal for the acquisition of a new presidential jet to guarantee the President’s security and dignity.
Dr. Kingsley Nyarko: The Member of Parliament for Kwadaso defended the President’s use of private jets, stating that the President’s security must not be compromised and politicized. He emphasized that the President’s decision to fly doesn’t lie in his bosom and that the security architecture around him determines how he travels.
Frank Annoh-Dompreh: The Minority Chief Whip contrasted President Akufo-Addo’s use of state-owned aircraft with former President John Mahama’s use of his brother’s private jet for state duties. He expressed pride in Akufo-Addo’s adherence to established procedures and use of state flights.
