The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has clarified that the government does not cover maintenance or servicing costs for the private jet used by President John Dramani Mahama for some official trips.
According to him, the aircraft, popularly known as Dzata, is owned by businessman Ibrahim Mahama, and the responsibility for maintaining it including payment of pilots and other crew members rests solely with the owner.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu explained that the State only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the President uses the jet for official travel.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, he said the arrangement helps the government avoid the higher costs associated with chartering aircraft for presidential trips.
“The President does not rent the aircraft; he only fuels it. The aircraft belongs to somebody, so the owner retains the services of the pilot and other personnel who work on it,” he said.
He further noted that renting an aircraft would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and maintenance costs for the duration the aircraft is used, a cost he said the government has avoided.
“When the President rents an aircraft, apart from paying the rent, he would also have to cover fuel and all the costs associated with maintaining that aircraft during the time he is using it. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” he explained.
The clarification follows concerns raised by the Minority in Parliament and policy think tank IMANI Africa over the President’s use of the private jet for official travel, including his recent visit to South Korea.
