Ibrahim Mahama – Ken Ofori-Atta: Brothers of Two Presidents

The cacophony surrounding President John Dramani Mahama flying in his brother’s private jet is hypocrisy of the highest order.

During the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, he repeatedly refused to use the presidential jet and instead travelled on chartered private aircraft at enormous cost to the Ghanaian taxpayer.

At the time, the very individuals who are today shouting the loudest saw nothing wrong with that arrangement. They even went to the extent of insulting the intelligence of Ghanaians by asking whether the President was expected to “ride a bicycle” on foreign trips.

Today, President Mahama has a brother, Mr Ibrahim Mahama, who has made his private jet available for use. Instead of recognizing this gesture as an act of patriotism and goodwill toward the state, critics have chosen to manufacture allegations of wrongdoing where none exists.

No law has been broken, no state resources have been misused, yet the accusations continue built purely on conjectures about conflict of interest, perceived conflict of interest, or even potential conflict of interest.

This conduct exposes a troubling tendency among some political actors whose sole objective appears to be to discredit acts of generosity and public service simply because of political prejudice.

Interestingly, the national conversation now revolves around two men who share striking similarities: both parents come from political families, both are businessmen, and both are brothers to influential political figures. (Presidents).

While Ibrahim Mahama continues to render voluntary and patriotic services to Ghana, Ken Ofori-Atta, the former Finance Minister, is reportedly cooling off in a detention centre in Virginia in the United States.

Mr Ibrahim Mahama has consistently demonstrated a willingness to support national causes. Even when his company undertook the dredging of the Korle Lagoon and faced intense criticism and vilification, he remained steadfast in contributing to national development. His decision to convert his former jet into an emergency air ambulance for Ghana should have been widely applauded as a remarkable act of benevolence.

Yet, rather than celebrate this generosity, some critics have chosen to weaponize suspicion and negativity when President Mahama travels in his brother’s new aircraft.

By contrast, serious questions continue to linger around the conduct of Ken Ofori-Atta during his tenure as Finance Minister, particularly regarding the role of his private interests in financial transactions linked to the Ministry of Finance.

After leaving office under the pretext of seeking medical review abroad, it is widely alleged that he is now pursuing permanent residence in the United States.

Ghana must learn to celebrate citizens who demonstrate genuine patriotism and selflessness. We should not allow cynicism and political hostility to dampen acts of benevolence.

Despite the ugly noise and relentless attacks, Ibrahim Mahama has refused to allow detractors to extinguish his spirit of voluntarism. For that, he deserves recognition, not condemnation

Mike Kalley
Sociopolitical Analyst.