Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, has clarified that Ibrahim Mahama, businessman and brother of President John Dramani Mahama, is not providing his private jet to the President in exchange for any favours.

The remarks come amid public criticism of President Mahama’s use of a private jet linked to his brother.

Speaking in an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Channel One TV’s Face to Face on Tuesday, March 17, Kwakye Ofosu explained that the arrangement is intended to save costs for the nation.

“If he uses his brother’s jet, he doesn’t pay to rent it. He’s not renting it; we are not paying GHC18,000. If you rent, you pay for rent, and you need to fuel. What we pay for is fuel. It saves you significant costs.

“I have heard people say he’s likely to benefit. Does your brother need to give you something for you to do something to help him in life?

He added, “the cheapest at the moment, given the circumstances and where he’s going, and the need he will have for the aircraft, is his brother’s arrangement. Ibrahim Mahama doesn’t need to give his aircraft to President Mahama in exchange for favours. The argument that he’s doing it for favours is untenable. he has done a good job.”

Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that the use of the aircraft is purely a cost-effective measure, with no underlying motives or expectations of reciprocity.