Accra, 18 August 2025 — President John Dramani Mahama’s recent trip to Japan for an investment forum has ignited debate after questions arose about whether he used a commercial airline or a private jet.
The Controversy
Critics, especially from the ruling party, accused Mahama of hypocrisy for allegedly chartering a private jet while calling for austerity in Ghana. They argued that such expenses undermine his message of prudent spending.
Records Revealed
However, flight records obtained by independent journalists showed Mahama boarded a commercial flight from Accra to Dubai, before connecting to Tokyo on Emirates Airlines. The claims of private jet use were therefore inaccurate.
Mahama’s Response
In a statement, Mahama’s office said:
“This is a deliberate attempt to distract from the purpose of the trip, which was to secure Japanese investor interest in Ghana’s economy.”
Public Reaction
Supporters praised Mahama for traveling commercially “like an ordinary Ghanaian,” while detractors maintained that his delegation still incurred unnecessary costs.
What’s Next?
The controversy has fueled calls for greater transparency on the travel expenses of both past and sitting presidents, especially at a time when Ghana is under strict IMF fiscal controls.