A former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho, has criticised the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, over his recent comments regarding President John Dramani Mahama’s use of a private jet.

According to Anyidoho, the NDC, his former party from which he has been expelled, had previously condemned former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s use of private jets for official trips.

He argued that the party leadership cannot now pretend all is well with President Mahama’s use of his brother’s private jet for official travel.

Responding to Kwakye Ofosu’s defense of the arrangement, Anyidoho accused him of hypocrisy, noting that the NDC had strongly criticised the former government for similar practices.

“The problem is what we said in opposition about a president flying on private jets. Let’s not pretend we didn’t say lots of things about presidents flying private jets and even swore that, given the opportunity, it would not happen under an NDC government.

"If we have to apologise for what we said in the past, let’s humbly do so. But let’s not say Ghanaians have no right to ask very legitimate questions. Don’t insult the intelligence of the country, please,” he stated.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu recently clarified that the government does not cover maintenance or servicing costs for the private jet (Dzata), owned by Ibrahim Mahama and used by his brother, President John Dramani Mahama, for some official trips.

I was so broke that I called my wife for GH¢500 to buy fuel – Kwakye Ofosu

He explained that the responsibility for maintaining the aircraft, including paying the pilot and crew, rests solely with its owner. The state only covers operational expenses such as fuel and landing charges when the president uses the jet for official travel.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Thursday, March 12, 2026, Kwakye Ofosu emphasised that the arrangement helps the government avoid the higher costs associated with chartering aircraft for presidential trips.

“The president does not rent the aircraft; he only fuels it. The aircraft belongs to somebody, so the owner retains the services of the pilot and other personnel who work on it,” he said.

He further noted that renting an aircraft would require the government to pay rental fees in addition to fuel and maintenance costs, which would be more expensive.

“When the president rents an aircraft, apart from paying the rent, he would also have to cover fuel and all the costs associated with maintaining that aircraft during the time it is in use. By not doing so, the President is saving public funds,” Kwakye Ofosu explained.

Ouch!!!!

You are not talking to only NPP; you are talking to all Ghanaians.

Discerning minds are listening ooo!!!

Pray the electorate don’t say the same to us in 2028 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/7PUxpWGVFH

— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) March 14, 2026

The problem is what we said in opposition about a President flying on private jets.

Let’s not pretend we didn’t say lots of things about private jets flying Presidents and even swore that given the opportunity, it would not happen if NDC has the opportunity to manage the… pic.twitter.com/UTKw4ulLQO

— Samuel Koku Anyidoho🇬🇭 (@KokuAnyidoho) March 13, 2026