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The Director of Communications of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has raised concerns over what he describes as a potential conflict of interest in the President’s reported use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama.
According to Ahiagbah, the arrangement poses serious risks to governance ethics and could erode public trust if not addressed. Speaking on the issue, he argued that the development blurs the line between public office and private interests, especially given Ibrahim Mahama’s involvement in sectors tied to government business, including natural resources and contracting.
He warned that such practices, if left unchecked, could gradually become normalised, making it difficult for citizens to distinguish between official state decisions and private influence. “It is dangerous because over time, people may begin to accept it as normal,” he said, stressing that familiarity with such arrangements could weaken accountability.
Ahiagbah further noted that the situation raises fundamental questions about adherence to the President’s own code of conduct, particularly on matters relating to conflict of interest. He emphasised that governance must not only be transparent but also seen to be free from undue influence.
The NPP communicator cautioned that allowing the continued use of a family-owned jet by the President could set a troubling precedent, where personal relationships intersect with state responsibilities. He urged the public and relevant authorities to resist any attempt to normalise practices that could compromise ethical standards in governance.
The issue has sparked broader debate on political ethics in Ghana, with calls for stricter scrutiny of actions that may undermine public confidence in leadership and decision-making processes.
