The debate in Parliament over President John Dramani Mahama’s usage of his brother’s Private jet was reignited when the Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, made clarifications about former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s travel arrangements.
According to the minority in Parliament, they argued that the presidential jet is in good condition thus President Mahama should use it.
Hon. Nitiwul statement aimed to correct perceived misinformation and to provide clarity on the former president’s travel practices and suggest what the current government ought to do in terms of the president’s travels.
In addressing claims made during the debate, Hon. Nitiwul refuted suggestions that Akufo-Addo had never used commercial airlines. He stated categorically;
“[Former] President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has traveled on numerous occasions on commercial aircraft. In fact, on some occasions, he went with Honorable Asenso, who is here. You can verify with him.”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul MP for Bimbilla
Hon. Nitiwul further detailed the airlines that had been used by the president. He vehemently stated;
“I have the records. I am aware that the president has traveled to the UK numerous times on British Airways. He has also traveled on Qatar Airways and Emirates.”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul MP for Bimbilla
He emphasized his involvement in these arrangements, given his position as former Minister for Defense, which required his presence at the airport whenever the president traveled. Hon. Nitiwul also addressed the claim that [former] President Akufo-Addo rented private jets for domestic travel. He firmly rejected the assertion, saying;
“[Former] President Akufo-Addo has not rented any private jet to travel within the country. For travel within West Africa, yes, but within Ghana, no.”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul MP for Bimbilla
This statement sought to correct what he described as an error in the discussions on the floor of Parliament.
Use of the Presidential Jet
The minister explained the timeline of the presidential jet’s usage, particularly its period of refurbishment. He clarified;
“Ever since we took that aircraft to France to have it fitted properly, it took about six to seven months to return. [Former] President Akufo-Addo has been using it ever since it came back.”
“It is not as if we were not using that aircraft and now want President Mahama to use it. [former] President Akufo-Addo has been using it ever since it returned from France.”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul MP for Bimbilla
Hon. Nitiwul concluded his statement by addressing the practice of renting private aircrafts, pointing out that it was not unique to the current administration. He revealed;
“President Mahama, when that aircraft was not available, rented private jets and used them outside the country.”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul MP for Bimbilla
“Ask President Mahama himself, and he will confirm it. These are the facts,’’ he charged.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Nitiwul reiterated his intention to provide factual clarifications without stirring controversy. He summarized his points;
“One, [former] President Akufo-Addo has traveled on numerous occasions with commercial jets. Two, he has not rented any private jet for domestic travel. Three, the presidential jet has been in use since its return from France. Fourth, President Mahama also rented aircraft for his travels outside the country.”
Hon. Dominic Nitiwul MP for Bimbilla
The minister concluded by thanking the Speaker of Parliament and emphasizing the accuracy of his statement. Hon. Nitiwul’s remarks highlight key issues in the ongoing parliamentary debates about presidential travel practices.
By providing detailed examples and urging verification of his claims, he sought to address misconceptions while shifting attention to similar practices under previous administrations.
This approach underscores the politicized nature of discussions on presidential travel and resource management.
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