According to a report by GBC on Tuesday, 27th May, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Cote d’Ivoire to attend the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. The meetings are taking place in the capital city, Abidjan.
President Mahama traveled on a private jet that belongs to his brother, Ibrahim Mahama. The jet, named “Dzata,” was seen landing in a video shared by GHOne TV. When the plane landed, President Mahama was welcomed at the airport by top officials, and a red carpet was rolled out for him.
His arrival has attracted public attention because of ongoing discussions about Ghana’s official presidential jet. The country’s Falcon 900EX jet, which was bought during former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s time in office, has been described by experts as old and unsafe for long-distance travel. This has forced the current president to use alternative travel arrangements.
Some people have criticized President Mahama for using his brother’s private jet, claiming it is inappropriate. However, government officials have defended the move. They explained that using the Dzata jet helps save money for the country and allows the president to travel safely and quickly.
There have been discussions in the past about replacing the aging presidential jet, but no clear steps were taken by the previous administration. Since taking office in January 2025, President Mahama’s government has not yet announced any plans to buy a new presidential aircraft.
President Mahama is in Abidjan to take part in important discussions and activities at the AfDB meetings, which bring together African leaders, development experts, and financial institutions to talk about the continent’s progress and future plans.
