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Akufo-Addo never rented any private jet for domestic trips – Nitiwul

The former Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul, has refuted claims that former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo used private jets for domestic travel during his tenure.
Nitiwul’s remarks come in response to allegations made by the Majority Chief Whip Kwame Governs Agbodza who accused former President Akufo-Addo of renting private jets for his travels.
Speaking during a parliamentary debate on January 22, 2025, regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of his brother’s private jet, Nitiwul clarified that while the former president Akufo-Addo occasionally used private jets for international travel beyond West Africa, such instances were limited, citing Emirates as an example.
“I’m not here to do propaganda. I want to say that former President Akufo-Addo has travelled on numerous occasions in the Emirates. On some of the occasions, he went with Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, former minister for Road and Highways, you can verify from him.
“It’s on record. I’m aware former President Akufo-Addo has travelled to the UK with British Airways, and Qatar Airways on numerous occasions. I’m just giving this information to Parliament and the House, and for it to enter the Hansard that former President Akufo-Addo has travelled on commercial aircraft several times, not once.
“Former President Akufo-Addo never rented any private jet to travel within the country, outside West Africa, yes, but in the country no.”
He also refuted claims that the former President did not use the official presidential aircraft.
“Former President Akufo-Addo has been using it for the last 8 months ever since it was returned from France.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Acting Spokesperson to President John Dramani Mahama, defended the President’s use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official trips to Senegal and The Gambia.
Responding to public criticism, Kwakye Ofosu clarified that the private jet has been available to President Mahama even before the 2024 general elections.
He emphasized that this arrangement incurs no cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer, as the jet was made available for the trips without charge.
Kwakye Ofosu also revealed that the official presidential aircraft is currently under review by the Communications Squadron, the Air Force unit responsible for its operation, hence the private jet use.
Source: Citinewsroom
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NTC ladies observe Int’l Women’s Day
![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth.jpg)
THE Times Ladies Association, a group consisting of female staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC), on Monday commemorated this year’s International Women’s Day with a call on women to empower themselves through education, unity and healthy living to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The event, held at the NTC’s boardroom, was attended by management members and staff of the corporation and was to celebrate the achievements of women and reflect on their role in society.
In her address, the President of the association, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo, said the global celebration, marked annually on March 8, recognised the economic, political and social achievements of women while raising awareness about gender equality.
Although the international celebration fell on Sunday, she explained that the association decided to mark the occasion on March 9 to enable members to participate fully and commemorate the day in their own way.
Speaking on this year’s theme: ‘Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls,’ and the global campaign theme: ‘Give to Gain,’ she the association had over the years worked tirelessly to support the growth and progress of the corporation despite the challenges they faced.
Urged members to commit themselves to deeper service to humanity and the advancement of women. She said women were unique, resilient and invaluable to society, stating that they deserved respect, appreciation, kindness and love for the vital roles they played in families, workplaces and communities.
According to her, members of the President, who is also the Editor of The Spectator newspaper, encouraged members to empower themselves academically and take advantage of opportunities to improve their lives and careers.
She also urged them to maintain healthy lifestyles by going for regular medical check-ups, exercise regularly, get enough rest and support one another.
Moreover, she advised members to accept leadership positions when given the opportunity and to exhibit qualities such as hard work, confidence, patience, compassion and responsibility in both their homes and workplaces.
Contributing, the Chanel Marketing and Circulation Manager, Mr Alfred Koomson, said women played critical roles in society and deserved to be supported and appreciated.
He urged men to recognise that they were often vulnerable species without the care, support and contributions of women in their lives.
He, therefore, commended women for the invaluable roles they play as mothers, caregivers, professionals and leaders, stressing that society would be incomplete without them.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Ghana commemorates 69th Indece anniversary

GHANA celebrated her 69th Independence Anniversary last Friday with colourful parades across all 16 regions of the country.
This year’s theme: ‘Reflect, Review, Reset,’ emphasised the importance of reflecting on the nation’s journey, assessing its current state, and planning for a brighter future.

At the Jubilee House, dignitaries present were President John Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, former Presidents, Akufo-Addo and John Agyekum Kufuor, behalf of the President, former President of Tanzania, and other distinguished guests.

The President, John Dramani Mahama, addressed the nation at the seat of government whiles Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives addressed their various assemblies on.

As part of the celebrations, school children paraded and displayed their marching skills whiles others performed cultural and other social activities to mark the day across the regions.


![Mrs Georgina Quaittoo [third from right] pose with some members of the Association Photos Okai Elizabeth.](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Mrs-Georgina-Quaittoo-third-from-right-pose-with-some-members-of-the-Association-Photos-Okai-Elizabeth-80x80.jpg)



