Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has urged Ghanaians to refrain from politicizing the issue of the presidential jet.
According to him, the jet remains in good working condition and was in use as recently as late 2023.
Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, January 22, Nitiwul emphasized the need for sincerity in discussions surrounding the presidential jet.
“I’m saying that there’s a lack of sincerity,” he stated.
His remarks come in response to a debate in Parliament following reports that former President Mahama opted to use his brother’s private jet for official duties instead of the presidential jet used by his predecessor.
“Let me repeat, the presidential jet is in good order. In fact, former President Nana Akufo-Addo used this presidential jet either on the 22nd or 23rd of December to Takoradi because we had to go to Nzulezu to commission a naval base, and he used this jet.
“I was there. It was the same jet he used on the 29th of December to Kumasi. So I’m aware that just a week before he handed over, he was using this jet.”
The Bimbila MP provided further insights into the maintenance history of the jet, explaining that extensive work was carried out on it in 2023.
“We were expecting it in March 2023, but it didn’t come due to the amount of work needed. We were expecting it in February, but it still didn’t arrive because of fuel issues that were causing problems,” he revealed.
“That was one of the reasons why the ex-president had to do an emergency landing in the US. It was not wise to use it as frequently as we wished, so it was sent to France in mid-2023, where it underwent maintenance until March. Since then, the former president has been using the aircraft.”
Expressing his concerns, Mr. Nitiwul questioned the rationale behind not using the jet despite its readiness.
“My concern is that it’s in good shape. Why are they not using it? The President, very recently, went to Bawku and then to Nalerigu using military facilities.
“He used the MI-17. So why, on one hand, have you not received the report you asked for from the Ghana Air Force and still use the military aircraft to travel, but then refuse to use the jet?” he quizzed.
Despite his reservations, Dominic Nitiwul remained firm on his stance against politicizing the issue.
“That’s their choice, but as I said, I’m not going to politicize the issue of the President’s travels. Trust me, I still hold the same view that it is wrong for us to have a presidential jet that is in good condition and the President will not use it,” he stated.
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