The Secretary to the President, Callistus Mahama, has responded to public discussions surrounding the use of a private aircraft linked to the brother of President John Dramani Mahama for some official presidential trips, acknowledging concerns about the possible perception of a conflict of interest.
In an opinion piece addressing the issue, Dr Mahama said the matter had become the subject of widespread public debate in recent days, with some Ghanaians questioning whether the arrangement raises ethical concerns.
According to him, such scrutiny is both legitimate and necessary in a democratic society where citizens have the right to question the decisions and actions of public officials.
“The most frequently expressed concern is whether such an arrangement could give rise to a perception of a conflict of interest,” he noted, adding that public questions about the conduct of leaders should not be ignored or dismissed.
His comments follow ongoing discussions over reports that the President has used an aircraft owned by his brother for certain official travel engagements.
Dr Mahama explained that while members of the public may see the aircraft taking off or landing, the complexities involved in organising presidential travel are often not visible.
“Presidential travel is unlike any other form of travel,” he said. “It carries layers of responsibility including security protocols, diplomatic engagements, communication systems and the need for the Head of State to continue functioning as the executive authority of the Republic even while outside Accra.”
He further noted that Ghana’s current state aviation capacity presents operational challenges. According to him, some aircraft previously used for government travel were not originally acquired for long-range diplomatic missions, while others face technical or operational limitations.
Dr Mahama also addressed suggestions that the President should rely on commercial flights, explaining that such arrangements are not always feasible due to security and logistical considerations, particularly during international engagements that require tight schedules and high-level diplomatic coordination.
Despite these realities, he acknowledged that public perception remains an important factor when decisions involve leadership and the use of resources connected to public office.
“Even when a practical solution exists, leadership must remain attentive to how the public understands it,” he wrote, stressing the importance of transparency and public trust in governance.