Minority Unhappy With Mahama’s Use Of Private Jet

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has accused President John Dramani Mahama of breaching the 1992 Constitution by repeatedly using a private jet owned by his brother for official state travels, without paying the full commercial cost.

In a strongly worded statement issued yesterday, the Caucus described the arrangement as a “serious conflict-of-interest situation,” arguing that it violates Article 284 of the Constitution, as well as the President’s own Code of Conduct for public officials.

According to the Minority, the President has on at least six occasions since assuming office in January 2025 travelled on a Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft, linked to the company owned by his brother.

The Caucus claims that while the State covered limited expenses such as fuel and landing charges, the aircraft itself, crew, maintenance and other operational costs were borne entirely by the President’s brother without any formal billing.

The Presidency has not denied the arrangement. Speaking on Citi FM earlier this month, Presidential spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that government does not pay for the aircraft beyond fuel and related charges. But the Minority insists that admission strengthens its case.

Cost Implications

Backing its claims with figures, the Caucus estimates that chartering a similar aircraft would cost about $18,000 per hour.

A recent round trip to Seoul, South Korea, which it says took roughly 20 hours would, therefore, amount to about $360,000 (over GH?5 million) in waived rental costs.

“This far exceeds the GH?20,000 gift threshold set under the President’s own Code of Conduct,” the statement noted, arguing that each trip constitutes a separate acceptance of a benefit.

At the heart of the dispute is Article 284 of the Constitution, which prohibits public officials from placing themselves in situations where personal interests conflict, or are likely to conflict, with their official duties.

The Minority contends that the relationship between the President and his brother, whose business interests intersect with government activities, creates at least a perceived conflict of interest.

Citing guidelines from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), the Caucus stressed that even the appearance of undue influence is sufficient to establish a breach.

“The issue is not whether corruption has occurred, it is whether the arrangement creates conditions that undermine independent decision-making,” the minority said.

Precedents Raised

The Caucus referenced past CHRAJ rulings, including cases where public officials were found to have violated conflict-of-interest provisions through personal or relational benefits.

It also recalled a 2016 CHRAJ finding involving President Mahama, where the acceptance of a gift was deemed a breach at the point of receipt, regardless of whether it was later surrendered.

Applying that reasoning, the Minority argues that each instance of using the aircraft constitutes a fresh violation.

Beyond legality, the statement raises broader ethical questions about governance and public trust.

It argues that the provision of high-value services by a close relative with business interests in the State creates a situation where public officials may feel constrained in making impartial decisions.

Civil society voices, including Sulemana Braimah of the Media Foundation for West Africa, have previously questioned whether such relationships could influence decision-making within government.

The Caucus is demanding that the President immediately cease using the aircraft for official travels as long as his brother maintains business interests connected to the State.

It is also calling for full public disclosure of all trips undertaken using the jet since January 2025, including the estimated value of services provided at no cost.

Finally, the Minority has announced plans to petition CHRAJ under Article 287 of the Constitution for a formal determination on the matter.

“The integrity of public office must not only be upheld, but must be seen to be upheld,” the statement concluded.

 

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