Ghana to acquire new presidential aircraft by November – Callistus Mahama

Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, has announced that Ghana is expected to acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November 2026.

The move forms part of efforts to strengthen the country’s state aviation capacity and ensure that official presidential travel relies fully on government-owned assets.

In an article addressing public concerns about recent presidential travel arrangements, Callistus Mahama explained that the government has already begun plans to expand the presidential fleet.

The announcement follows public debate over the use of an aircraft belonging to the President’s brother for some official international trips, which raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

According to him, the current arrangement is temporary and largely due to the operational limitations of the aircraft currently available to the state.

He noted that some aircraft historically used for presidential travel were not designed for long-range diplomatic missions, while others face technical and operational constraints that make certain journeys difficult.

Mahama stated that by November, Ghana is expected to have additional aircraft within the presidential fleet, including one dedicated specifically to presidential travel.

He explained that once the new aircraft are operational, the government will rely entirely on state-owned platforms for the safe and efficient transportation of the Head of State.

The Executive Secretary added that presidential travel involves complex logistics including security protocols, diplomatic schedules, communication systems, and ensuring the President can effectively perform executive duties while abroad.

He also acknowledged that public scrutiny is important in governance, stating that citizens are justified in questioning arrangements that appear unusual.

According to him, the move aligns with the administration’s broader “Reset Agenda,” which aims to strengthen institutions, rebuild public trust, and modernise the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.