On Wednesday, the Parliament’s Minority Caucus requested President John Dramani Mahama to utilize Ghana’s presidential plane rather than private aircraft when traveling abroad for work.
While the Presidential Jet was in good shape, the Minority argued that the President’s use of commercial aircraft was “embarrassing.”
The previous defense minister, Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, stated yesterday on the floor of Parliament that the Presidential Jet was in fine shape following maintenance in Paris, France, approximately eight months ago.
“The difference today is that the Presidential jet is serviceable. It can move, it is working and so, it’s wrong for the President of the Republic to be going on commercial jets while the jet Ghana uses her money to pay for and working, is ignored,” he said.
His comments come after the House was informed by Mr. Andrew Asiamah Amoakoh, the Second Deputy Speaker, that President Mahama would be visiting the United Arab Emirates.
In his contribution to the matter, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister-designate for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, clarified that President Mahama has been traveling by commercial aircraft ever since taking office on January 7, 2025.
In contrast to former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who had a penchant for “expensive and luxurious flights” and spent a lot of money on them, he claimed that President Mahama had been “moderate” in his use of commercial planes.
The Speaker was forced to briefly cease session for 30 minutes after Mr. Agbodza’s remarks provoked a contentious discussion between the NDC Majority Caucus and their Minority counterparts.
Source: newsthemegh.com