Accra: Chief Executive Officer of Dalex Finance, Joe Jackson, has stated that there is nothing inherently wrong with President John Mahama using a private jet owned by his brother for official travel, provided the arrangement remains transparent.
According to Ghana Web, Jackson emphasized that while private resources may be utilized for convenience, it is crucial that such decisions are clearly documented and communicated to the public to prevent concerns about conflicts of interest. He likened the situation to his own, stating, "If I am a CEO of Dalex, it doesn't mean my brother cannot provide certain services, but that decision cannot be taken by me. It should be thoroughly transparent. The president's brother can undertake certain services, but the appearance of a conflict of interest is avoided by being transparent."
The debate surrounding President Mahama's use of a private jet owned by his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, for official international travel remains ongoing. Concerns have been raised by some, including the Member of Parliament for Walewale, Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, who accuses the President of breaching the Code of Conduct for government appointees by repeatedly using the privately owned aircraft for official trips.
Additionally, the MP for Assin South, John Ntim Fordjour, criticized the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) for what he perceives as double standards regarding presidential travel arrangements. He pointed out that the NDC had previously criticized the travel arrangements of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo while in opposition, but now appears to have adopted similar practices.
Rev Fordjour further argued that the president should ensure that the state's presidential jet remains functional and available for official travel, aligning with demands the NDC had previously made during the Akufo-Addo administration.