Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has voiced concern over President John Mahama’s decision to forgo the use of the presidential jet for official international travel, despite reports that the aircraft is fully operational.

Nitiwul’s comments came on January 22 during a parliamentary session, when a communication was read to inform the House that President Mahama was traveling to the United Arab Emirates. This prompted questions from members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the mode of transport Mahama was using for the trip.

Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, confirmed that Mahama had opted for a commercial flight. However, Nitiwul criticized the President for not utilizing the presidential jet, which he claims is in good working condition.

“The jet is serviceable, it can move, and it is working,” Nitiwul said. “It is wrong for the President to be using commercial flights when the jet that Ghana’s taxpayers funded is available and operational.”

Nitiwul’s remarks come amid growing discussions about the use of the presidential jet, particularly when questions arose about Mahama’s occasional use of his brother Ibrahim Mahama’s private jet for official duties.

Agbodza fired back, questioning why the presidential jet was not used by former President Akufo-Addo, despite claims that it was out of service. “Why wasn’t the jet available when the former president was in office?” he asked. “As soon as he left, the jet was suddenly serviceable.”

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson also weighed in, defending Mahama’s use of commercial flights, asserting that the President has not rented a private jet since taking office.

The exchange has sparked ongoing debate about the use of state resources for official travel and whether the presidential jet should be used for such purposes when it is available.

Source:TheDotNews