The Minister of Government Communications-designate, , has addressed concerns over President John Dramani Mahama's use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, instead of the state-owned aircraft since assuming office.
During his vetting on Friday, he responded to questions from Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader and ranking member of the Appointment Committee, regarding whether the use of the jet should be classified as a gift. "I haven't given much thought to our policy on gifts, but I can say that whatever obligations arise from any classification given to it will be met by the president," Kwakye Ofosu stated. "He has no difficulty fulfilling any legal requirements that may come with it." Ayariga pressed on whether the use of the jet constituted a personal gift to Mahama or a gift to the Office of the President, highlighting the differing tax implications of both classifications.
In response, Kwakye Ofosu maintained that the arrangement was the most practical option available at the time. "It was the most viable option then.
The aircraft was safe, did not endanger the president in any way, and, most importantly, it did not cost the state anything," he argued. "As a Ghanaian, I would prefer that arrangement to what President Akufo-Addo was doing, to be fair." While he did not explicitly categorize the use of the aircraft as a gift, he assured the committee that the president's legal counsel would provide the necessary guidance. "If it is classified in any way that brings obligations, President Mahama will have no difficulty meeting them, knowing the kind of person he is," he added.
