Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has expressed disapproval of President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to forgo the use of Ghana’s presidential jet for international travel, opting instead for commercial flights.
Nitiwul’s comments came during a parliamentary session on Wednesday, January 22, where he described the practice as unnecessary and wasteful, given the jet’s current operability.
The discussion arose after Members of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) raised questions about the President’s mode of transport for an official trip to the United Arab Emirates.
Minister-designate for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, clarified that President Mahama had used a commercial airline for the journey.
Nitiwul, however, criticized the move, asserting that the presidential jet is in good condition and should be utilized for official duties rather than ignored.
“The jet Ghana purchased with taxpayers’ money is fully operational and available. It is wrong for the President to use commercial flights when the presidential jet is serviceable,” Nitiwul remarked.
The former Defence Minister compared the current administration’s practices with that of the previous government, alleging that former President Akufo-Addo often chose a luxury private jet under the pretext of the presidential jet being unavailable.
Nitiwul further argued that the same standard should be applied under Mahama’s presidency to avoid waste and maintain the dignity of the office.
How come a former defense minister could not put President Akuffo Addo on a flight he claims to be fit for purpose?- Minister Designate for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza pic.twitter.com/J5i7rd20Kf
— #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) January 22, 2025
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