Plans are underway to strengthen Ghana’s presidential air transport capability, with additional aircraft expected to be added to the presidential fleet later this year.
Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, Callistus Mahama, addressing recent public concerns about presidential travel arrangements, said the government is working to improve state aviation capacity so the President can rely fully on government-owned aircraft for official trips.
According to him, by November this year, Ghana is expected to acquire additional aircraft for the presidential fleet, including one specifically dedicated to presidential travel. He noted that the move forms part of broader efforts by the current administration to rebuild and strengthen key state institutions and operational systems.
The development comes amid public discussion over the temporary use of an aircraft belonging to a relative of President Mahama for official travel, a situation that has sparked debate about possible perceptions of conflict of interest.
Callistus Mahama acknowledged that the concerns raised by some members of the public are legitimate in a democratic society where citizens have the right to question decisions taken by those in authority. However, he explained that presidential travel involves complex considerations, including security, logistics, cost, and operational efficiency.
He pointed out that Ghana’s current state aircraft have certain technical and operational limitations, particularly when it comes to long-distance diplomatic missions and tightly scheduled international engagements. These limitations, he noted, have occasionally required temporary arrangements to ensure the Head of State can carry out official duties effectively while travelling.
Despite these challenges, he emphasised that strengthening the presidential air transport system remains a priority. The planned addition of new aircraft, he said, will help eliminate the need for such interim solutions in the future.
He added that once the new aircraft are integrated into the presidential fleet, Ghana will regain the capacity to depend fully on its own state assets for the safe and efficient transportation of the President during both domestic and international assignments.
The expansion of the fleet is also expected to form part of wider efforts to improve the operational readiness and logistical capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces. Officials believe the move will help address growing
