The government has made it clear that it does not pay for the upkeep of businessman Ibrahim Mahama’s private plane, which President John Dramani Mahama occasionally uses for official international travel.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, stated that the state only pays for operational costs like fuel and landing fees when the aircraft is used for presidential visits; the owner is still in charge of all maintenance-related duties.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu clarified on Thursday’s Eyewitness News on Citi FM that the arrangement enables the government to reduce the substantial expenses normally involved in chartering planes for presidential travel.
“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 maintains that if the government were to charter a plane on the free market, it would have to cover the cost of fuel and other operating expenses for the duration of the journey in addition to the rental fees.
In addition to the rent, the President must pay for fuel and any other expenses related to the aircraft’s upkeep while it is in use.
He clarified, “The President is saving public funds by not doing so.”
The answer comes after the President’s use of his brother Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet, known as “Dzata,” for official travel overseas sparked a renewed public debate.
After the President took off on the jet rather than Ghana’s official presidential aircraft, the Dassault Falcon 900EX, for a state visit to South Korea, the argument became more heated.
The appropriateness of the arrangement has been questioned by some members of the public, the Minority in Parliament, and the policy think tank IMANI Africa.
They have expressed worries about security issues as well as the appearance of a president travelling aboard a jet owned by a close relative.
Additionally, the approach may be in violation of ethical standards governing public officials’ behaviour, according to critics.
However, proponents of the arrangement contend that, given worries about the operational preparedness of the nation’s official presidential jet, using the aircraft would provide a sensible and economical option.
Additionally, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu revealed that although a delivery schedule has not yet been established, the government is anticipating a new presidential aircraft that is presently in production.
“I am not aware of a specific timeline, but I do not anticipate that it will be too long. As and when it is ready, it will come. This is because it has to be manufactured, and the process is ongoing, so when the process is completed, it will come, just like the first helicopter,” he explained.
Source: newsthemegh.com