Citi News can independently confirm that President John Dramani Mahama travelled to Japan on a commercial Emirates Airlines flight, dispelling allegations that he chartered an expensive private jet for the journey.
The clarification follows claims made by the Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, who alleged that the President used a private aircraft with registration number M-BAEP. The MP further estimated that the supposed private jet trip could have cost Ghana nearly \$690,000, a figure that quickly fueled public debate on social media and in political circles.
However, checks by Citi News reveal that President Mahama departed Accra on Sunday, August 17, aboard Emirates Flight EK318. His departure took place shortly after he attended a thanksgiving service in honour of the late Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah. The President transited through Dubai before arriving in Tokyo at 5:43 p.m. local time, which is nine hours ahead of Ghana.
For transparency, flight tracking data from FlightAware confirms the President’s itinerary on the Emirates flight, effectively debunking the private jet claim.
President Mahama is in Tokyo, Japan, to participate in the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IX), a major global summit that focuses on Africa’s development agenda. The conference, jointly organized by the Japanese government, the United Nations, the World Bank, and the African Union Commission, brings together African leaders, development partners, and investors to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the international community.
Upon arrival, the President was welcomed by Ghana’s Ambassador to Japan and senior officials of the host government. He is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of his economic and foreign affairs team, who will take part in various side meetings and investment forums.
During the summit, President Mahama is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at a plenary session on the theme “Economy – Promoting Trade and Investment.” His address will focus on deepening Africa’s trade relations with Asia, boosting industrialization, and creating sustainable opportunities for young people across the continent.
The government has emphasized that President Mahama’s choice to travel on a commercial airline underscores his commitment to prudent spending and transparency in the management of state resources. Officials hope that this clarification will put to rest what they describe as “misinformation” aimed at distracting attention from the President’s international engagements.
