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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
President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event that brings together Heads of State, government officials, global investors, and technology experts.
The forum, being held under the patronage of Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, is on the theme “Political Stability, Business Climate, and Artificial Intelligence: Catalysts for Growth.”
The forum seeks to position Gabon as a regional innovation hub and key destination for international investment.
Organisers are holding the Forum to inaugurate the newly constructed Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Centre, which also serves as the venue for the Forum and as a future centre for international dialogue.
The forum will culminate in the “Libreville Declaration,” which will showcase the strategic political leaders’ commitments to enhancing governance, transparency, and digital integration across the continent.
President Mahama remains a strong advocate for fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between government policy and private-sector growth to ensure inclusive development.
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, of his decision to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed this during a courtesy call on Dr. Bawumia on May Day.
According to a statement from his team, the visit gave him the opportunity to commend the former Vice President for his service to both the New Patriotic Party and the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Agyarko, together with members of his campaign team, formally notified Dr. Bawumia of his planned nationwide tour as part of his campaign for the National Chairman position.
He reaffirmed his support for the former Vice President and stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Agyarko said the NPP must remain united and committed to securing victory in the next elections.
According to the statement, his nationwide tour is expected to begin in the Ashanti Region next week.
By: Jacob Aggrey
