The President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has criticised John Dramani Mahama for reportedly using a private aircraft belonging to his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama, arguing that the decision sends mixed signals about the government’s commitment to discipline in the public sector.
In a statement addressing the issue, Cudjoe said the President’s action appears inconsistent with recent directives urging government appointees to justify official travel on economic grounds.
“Mr President, with due respect, you cannot be asking your appointees not to travel without providing economic justification and then you jump on your brother’s plane without explaining why you believe it is the only safe, available, and cheaper option,” he said.
Cudjoe noted that this was the second time he had heard of the President using his brother’s aircraft, cautioning that the move could revive criticisms associated with the “dead goat syndrome,” a phrase often used in Ghanaian political discourse to describe perceived indifference to public criticism.
He therefore urged the President to reconsider the practice and provide clear explanations to avoid undermining the administration’s message on accountability and prudent use of resources.
“This is the second time I have heard about using Mr Ibrahim Mahama’s plane, and you may be earning back your own ‘dead goat’ syndrome, which many people rejected in the past. Please stop,” Cudjoe cautioned.
