Founding President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over reports that he used a private jet belonging to his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official travel.
In a social media post reacting to the issue, Cudjoe questioned why the President would use his brother’s private aircraft while urging government officials to justify their travel expenses. According to him, such actions could send conflicting signals about accountability and the standards expected from public office holders.
Cudjoe noted that the President had earlier encouraged his appointees to avoid unnecessary travel unless there was a clear economic justification. He argued that using a privately owned jet without providing similar justification could undermine that directive.
He pointed out that Mahama had recently travelled on a commercial flight, a move that was widely praised by the public and even highlighted by the President’s communications team. However, the latest reports about the use of his brother’s private jet have raised questions about consistency.
Cudjoe warned that such decisions could revive criticisms previously directed at the President, particularly the label known as the “dead goat syndrome.” The phrase was used by critics in the past to describe a perception that Mahama remained indifferent to criticism during his earlier presidency.
In his message, Cudjoe urged the President to reconsider the situation and provide a clear explanation for the decision. He stressed that public officials must demonstrate transparency and adhere to the same standards they expect from others.
The remarks have sparked political debate, with some observers supporting Cudjoe’s call for clarity while others argue that the President may have had legitimate reasons for using the aircraft.
The controversy highlights the continued public scrutiny surrounding government travel and the expectations of accountability from political leaders in Ghana.
