President Mahama used the Dzata private jet for his official travels
Security analyst Anthony Acquaye has criticised those attacking President John Dramani Mahama for traveling in his brother’s private jet instead of the official presidential jet.
In a release dated January 18, 2025, Acquaye explained that the decision made by President Mahama to use a privately owned jet was ‘driven by a commitment to ensuring his own safety and, by extension, the security and stability of Ghana’.
While acknowledging the critics’ concerns, the security analyst mentioned several factors that might have influenced the president’s decision to use his brother’s private jet.
He suggested that, since no official confirmation regarding the full operational readiness, security, and technical assessment had been provided by the relevant authorities, the use of the presidential jet could have potentially compromised the president’s security.
“… As against the reality that the military squadron in charge of the presidential jet has not provided an official confirmation of its full operational readiness, when in such circumstances, using the presidential jet would have introduced significant security and operational risks, potentially leading to disastrous consequences for both President Mahama and Ghana as a whole.
“It is crucial for critics to understand that in matters of national security, particularly on the safety of the first gentleman of the land, no risks should be entertained. Therefore, any decision involving the presidential jet, which is an extremely valuable national asset, requires rigorous security, intelligence, and technical assessment. This is a standard procedure to ensure the aircraft’s full readiness before any mission. Any absence of such clearance would make it reckless and irresponsible to fly in the presidential jet, as it would expose the president to potential threats,” he explained.
He also pointed out that no official communication has been provided regarding an updated airworthiness report, further justifying Mahama’s decision.
Acquaye added, “it is also important for critics to recognize that flying the presidential jet without an updated airworthiness report would violate established aviation safety protocols. Such a violation dramatically increases the risk of an in-flight emergency, whether due to mechanical failure or other unforeseen issues. This is a situation that no responsible government or leader would ever entertain, as the consequences could be far-reaching and catastrophic.”
He continued, “In light of these considerations, it is clear that President Mahama’s decision to use his brother’s private jet instead of the official presidential aircraft was driven by a commitment to ensuring his own safety and, by extension, the security and stability of Ghana. Any criticism of this decision that fails to take these critical factors into account is not only misplaced but also shows a lack of understanding of the complex security risks involved. The decision to use an alternative aircraft with a confirmed security clearance was a necessary and responsible step in safeguarding national interests and ensuring the President’s safety.”
Acquaye urged the president’s critics to prioritise his safety and that of the nation, emphasising that any disaster could impact the stability and governance of the country, and to set aside political considerations.
MAG/EK
Meanwhile, watch as John Mahama assures Ghanaians to be decisive and swift in his actions