The Executive Director of Transparency International Ghana, Mary Addah, has called on the government to be transparent regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s continued use of his brother’s jet for official duties.
In an interview with Citi News on Monday, March 16, 2026, Addah warned against mixed messaging and urged authorities to avoid situations that could create a perceived or actual conflict of interest.
“The issue on the presidential jet that we have from all those who consider governance and anti-corruption, would be that we need to come to this discussion from an ethical point of view,” she said.
“The President has been cited in the past for conflict of interest, and so we do not want to see or hear that the President is again being cited for issues around conflict of interest.”
Addah clarified that using the aircraft is not inherently problematic. “No one is saying the President cannot use his brother’s aircraft. However, that should be on a private scope,” she said.
She added that the state should provide official travel arrangements whenever the President’s engagements benefit the nation.
“Whatever cost we incur in that regard should be the natural thing to do,” she said.
The Transparency Ghana executive emphasised the need for long-term solutions and ethical safeguards.
“We must at all times ensure that we are removing ourselves from situations that could result in apparent, perceived, or actual conflict of interest,” Addah said, noting assurances from the President’s Executive Secretary that Mahama recognises public concern and that the government is exploring alternatives for official travel.
Meanwhile, Dr. Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, clarified that the President’s use of a private jet is a temporary measure while the government awaits the arrival of a state-procured presidential aircraft, expected to be in the country by November 2026.
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