Government has announced plans to strengthen Ghana’s presidential air transport capacity with the acquisition of additional aircraft expected to join the fleet by November.
Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, Callistus Mahama, disclosed the development while addressing public concerns surrounding recent presidential travel arrangements.
According to him, the move forms part of broader efforts to improve the operational capacity of the country’s state aviation assets and ensure that Ghana can rely entirely on its own aircraft for official presidential missions.
In an article explaining the current arrangements, he indicated that steps are already underway to expand the presidential fleet.
“Plans are already underway to strengthen Ghana’s presidential air transport capability as part of the broader retooling of the Armed Forces.
“By November this year, the country is expected to have additional aircraft within the presidential fleet, including one dedicated to the President’s travel,” he wrote.
The announcement comes after public debate over the use of an aircraft belonging to the President’s brother for certain international trips undertaken by John Dramani Mahama. The arrangement had sparked concerns among sections of the public about the perception of a potential conflict of interest.
Mr Mahama explained that the situation arose largely because of operational constraints affecting the state’s available aircraft.
He noted that some of the aircraft previously used for presidential travel were not designed for long-distance diplomatic missions, while others currently face technical limitations that restrict their use for certain journeys.
Once the additional aircraft are delivered and become operational, he said Ghana will be able to rely fully on state-owned platforms to transport the Head of State safely and efficiently for official engagements abroad.
Mr Mahama emphasised that presidential travel involves complex logistical considerations beyond simple transportation, including security arrangements, diplomatic scheduling, and communication systems that enable the President to function effectively as the executive authority even while outside the country.
He also acknowledged that public scrutiny of such arrangements is understandable.
According to him, citizens are justified in raising questions when government decisions appear unusual, adding that transparency remains critical to governance.
The Executive Secretary said the administration remains committed to rebuilding public confidence through the President’s “Reset Agenda,” which seeks to strengthen institutions and promote responsible governance.
He further explained that the acquisition of additional aircraft forms part of a wider effort to retool and modernise the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Mr Mahama expressed optimism that once the aircraft are delivered later this year, the country will have a more stable and self-reliant system for presidential travel.
