Accra: President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has publicly criticised President John Dramani Mahama for utilizing a private aircraft owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama. Cudjoe expressed concerns that this decision could send conflicting signals regarding the government's stance on public sector discipline.
According to Ghana Web, Cudjoe made his comments in a Facebook post on March 12, 2026, emphasizing that the president should justify the use of a private jet, especially after urging government appointees to limit travel without clear economic justification. "Mr President, with due respect, you cannot be asking your appointees not to travel without providing economic justification and then you jump on your brother's plane without providing us reasons why you think it is the only safe, available and cheaper airline," Cudjoe stated.
Cudjoe highlighted a recent instance where President Mahama opted for a commercial flight, a move that was well-received by the public and praised by many Ghanaians. Videos of the president on a commercial flight were widely shared by his communications team, garnering positive reactions. "You recently flew commercial and your communications team happily shared videos. We all applauded," Cudjoe remarked.
Cudjoe noted that this was the second time reports emerged about President Mahama using Ibrahim Mahama's plane, warning that such actions could lead to the revival of criticisms associated with the 'dead goat syndrome.' This phrase has been used in Ghanaian politics to describe a perceived indifference to public criticism. "You may be earning back your own 'dead goat' syndrome, which was last rejected by many. Please stop," he cautioned.
Cudjoe urged President Mahama to either refrain from using his brother's private jet or provide explanations for his decision, stressing that such actions could undermine the government's message of fiscal discipline being communicated to public officials.