The Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Ghana is expected to acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s state aviation capacity.
Callistus Mahama said preparations are already underway to expand the country’s presidential fleet to ensure Ghana can rely entirely on state-owned aircraft for official travel.
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The announcement comes amid public debate over the use of an aircraft belonging to the President’s brother for some international trips, a development that has raised concerns about the perception of a possible conflict of interest.
New Presidential Aircraft
In an article responding to public concerns about recent presidential travel arrangements, Mr Mahama explained that the current arrangements are only temporary and are largely due to the operational limitations of aircraft presently available to the state.
He explained that some of the platforms historically used for presidential travel were not originally designed for long-range diplomatic missions, while others face technical and operational constraints that make certain international journeys difficult.
“Plans are already underway to strengthen Ghana’s presidential air transport capability as part of the broader retooling of the Armed Forces,” he said.
He added that by November this year, the country is expected to receive additional aircraft for the Ghana presidential aircraft fleet, including one that will be dedicated specifically to the President’s travel.
Once the new aircraft become operational, Ghana will be able to rely fully on the Ghana presidential aircraft system for the safe and efficient transportation of the Head of State, eliminating the need for temporary travel arrangements.
Mr Mahama noted that presidential travel involves complex logistical considerations, including security protocols, diplomatic schedules, communication systems and the need for the President to remain fully functional as the executive authority even while travelling abroad.
He also acknowledged that public perception plays a critical role in governance, stating that citizens are justified in questioning arrangements that appear unusual.
According to him, the administration remains committed to rebuilding public trust under President Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” which seeks to strengthen institutions and promote responsible governance.
The planned acquisition of additional aircraft, he said, forms part of a broader effort to re-equip and modernise the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Mr Mahama expressed optimism that once the aircraft are delivered and operational, Ghana will have a more stable and self-reliant arrangement for presidential travel.