President John Dramani Mahama’s recent official trip to Seoul, South Korea, has ignited widespread public and political debate in Ghana. The controversy centers on his use of a private jet owned by his younger brother, prominent businessman Ibrahim Mahama, rather than a commercial flight or the state’s aircraft.

Background of the Trip

President Mahama traveled to South Korea in early March 2026 to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations. The visit included high-level discussions with South Korean leadership, signing memoranda of understanding (MoUs), and participation in a ceremony at Hyundai Heavy Industries where a vessel was renamed in honor of Ghana (reported as “Asharami Ghana”).

The trip was described as historic in some reports, aimed at boosting economic and diplomatic relations. South Korea has emerged as a key partner for Ghana in areas like infrastructure, trade, and potentially visa arrangements.

Upon arrival in Seoul, visuals circulated online showing the President disembarking from a Bombardier Global 6500 private jet branded “Dzata.” This aircraft, valued at around $70 million and newly acquired, belongs to Ibrahim Mahama, one of West Africa’s leading entrepreneurs with interests in mining, construction, agriculture, and other sectors.

The Controversy Unfolds

The revelation sparked immediate backlash, particularly from opposition figures in the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Critics argued that using a family member’s private jet for official state travel raises serious concerns about:

• • Conflict of interest — A close relative providing such a resource could imply undue influence or favoritism.
• • Breach of ethics — Some, including the MP for Walewale, Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, claimed it violates the Code of Conduct for public officials, which the President himself has promoted. They suggested he should have opted for commercial flights to avoid any perception of impropriety.
• • Transparency and cost to taxpayers — Questions arose about whether any indirect benefits accrue to the President’s family or if state funds subtly cover related expenses beyond what’s disclosed.

Public reactions, captured in vox pops and social media, were divided. Some Ghanaians saw nothing wrong with a president borrowing from family, comparing it to everyday use of relatives’ resources. Others demanded accountability, labeling it hypocritical or extravagant amid economic challenges. Legal and governance experts weighed in. Lawyer Kofi Bentil argued it was inappropriate for official duties. Civil society voices called for probes into potential hidden costs.

Government and Supporters’ Defense

The Presidency and allies pushed back strongly. Key points include:

• • Cost savings — Government Communications Minister Felix Ofosu Kwakye clarified that the state only covers fuel and landing fees—no rental or charter costs are paid to Ibrahim Mahama. This avoids the high expense of hiring a commercial private jet for long-haul flights.
• • Practical necessity — Ghana’s official presidential aircraft, the Dassault Falcon 900, lacks the range for non-stop travel to East Asia and requires multiple refueling stops, making it inefficient. The Falcon has faced maintenance issues in the past.
• • No violation — Supporters, including some NDC figures like Inusah Fuseini, maintained there’s nothing inherently wrong with family assistance if transparent and cost-effective. Executive Secretary Dr. Callistus Mahama and others emphasized openness in the arrangement.
• • Precedent and context — Private resources have been used before for presidential travel when state assets are unavailable.

The government has indicated plans to acquire a more suitable dedicated presidential aircraft by late 2026 to address long-term logistics.

Broader Implications

This episode highlights ongoing tensions in Ghanaian politics around family influence, public resource use, and perceptions of elite privilege. While the President’s trip achieved diplomatic gains—including progress toward visa waivers and economic partnerships—the jet controversy overshadowed these outcomes in domestic discourse.

As debates continue on social media, talk shows, and in Parliament, the incident underscores the scrutiny presidents face in balancing practical governance needs with ethical optics. Whether it leads to formal inquiries or fades as partisan noise remains to be seen, but it has reignited conversations about transparency in high office.

For many Ghanaians, the core question persists: Is family support a pragmatic solution or a slippery slope? The answer may shape public trust in leadership for years to come.

The Government of Ghana has officially declared Friday, March 20, 2026, and Monday, March 23, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid-ul-Fitr (also known as Eid al-Fitr) and related observances.

Government declares Friday, 20th March and Monday, 23rd March as public holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr celebration

According to announcements from the Ministry of the Interior (issued on March 13, 2026):

What you need to know 

• Friday, March 20, 2026, is a statutory public holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
• Saturday, March 21, 2026, is recognized as Shaqq Day (the day after Eid-ul-Fitr, a statutory holiday introduced in recent years to allow extended celebration and reflection for the Muslim community).
• Since March 21 falls on a Saturday (a non-working day for many), President John Dramani Mahama issued an Executive Instrument under the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act (Act 601, as amended) to declare Monday, March 23, 2026, as an additional public holiday.

This creates a long weekend for celebrations, with schools, government offices, and most businesses closed on those days.

The dates were confirmed following the expected moon sighting for the end of Ramadan, aligning with 1 Shawwal 1447 AH.

Eid Mubarak to all celebrating in Ghana and beyond! Enjoy the festivities, family gatherings, prayers, and special meals. 

The United States, Israel, and Iran are currently engaged in an active, direct military conflict that began on February 28, 2026. This marks a major escalation from previous shadow wars, proxy conflicts, and limited direct exchanges (including a brief 12-day war in June 2025).

        How It Started

• • On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched large-scale joint airstrikes (nearly 900 in the first 12 hours) under US operation names like “Epic Fury.”

• • Targets included Iranian missile sites, air defenses, nuclear-related facilities, military bases, naval assets, and leadership.
• • A key early success (from the US/Israeli perspective) was the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the opening strikes, along with many other senior officials and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_Revolutionary_Guard_Corps

TOPSHOT – Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei adjusts his eyeglasses during a press conference after casting his ballot for the parliamentary runoff elections in Tehran on May 10, 2024. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

• • The stated goals include regime change (or at least severely weakening the Islamic Republic), destroying Iran’s ballistic missile program, preventing nuclear weapon development, and neutralizing threats from Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” (proxies like Hezbollah, Houthis, etc.).

This came after failed nuclear negotiations in 2025–2026, years of sanctions, Iran’s weakened position post-2025 exchanges and regional losses, and assessments that military action had a window of opportunity. Current Status (as of March 10, 2026)

• • The war is in its 11th–12th day (depending on exact counting), with no signs of de-escalation.
• • US and Israeli strikes continue intensively on Iran, targeting remaining missile infrastructure, leadership, military sites, and naval forces. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described March 10 as potentially the “most intense” day yet, with massive use of fighters, bombers, and munitions.

Smoke and flames rise at the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Tehran on March 7, 2026. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting Iranian retaliation with missile attacks across the region and intensifying concerns about disruption to global energy and transport. (Photo by Sasan / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)

• • Iran has launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles and drones at Israel (including barrages hitting central areas like Tel Aviv, killing civilians and causing damage). Recent strikes (March 9–10) killed at least two in Israel and wounded others; Hezbollah (from Lebanon) has also fired rockets, injuring more.
• • Iran has struck back regionally: attacks toward Gulf states (e.g., UAE/Qatar intercepting missiles), threats to close the Strait of Hormuz (critical oil chokepoint), and hits on shipping/oil infrastructure.
• • Casualties: Over 1,200 reported killed in Iran (per Iranian sources); civilian deaths on both sides; exact figures are disputed and rising.
• • Iran’s new leadership: Mojtaba Khamenei (son of the late Supreme Leader) has been named as successor.

     Key Impacts So Far

• • Oil and economy — Benchmark oil prices have surged past $100/barrel (first time since 2022) due to disruption fears. Global markets are volatile.

• • Regional spillover — Hezbollah attacks from Lebanon; strikes in/around Lebanon; Iranian missiles/drones reaching Gulf states; some incidents affecting neighboring countries (e.g., Jordan, Azerbaijan injuries reported).
• • Iran’s stance — Iranian officials (IRGC, Foreign Minister) say they’re ready for a prolonged fight (claims of “six-month war” capability), reject negotiations with the US (“bitter experience”), and insist Iran—not the US—will decide when it ends. No ceasefire interest signaled.

SRINAGAR, INDIA – MARCH 2: Kashirimi Shiite Muslim protester drag the U.S. flag during a protest march against the U.S. and Israel, after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on March 2, 2026 in Srinagar, India. Security forces in Indian-administered Kashmir sealed off Srinagar’s commercial center on Monday and fired teargas to disperse protests over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Authorities imposed restrictions, closed schools, and slowed internet services in the disputed Himalayan region following anti-U.S. and anti-Israel rallies. (Photo by Yawar Nazir/Getty Images)

• • US/Israel stance — President Trump has said the war will end “very soon” (though not this week), claims Iran was planning regional takeover/domination (including nuclear threats), vows massive response if oil flows are blocked (e.g., “20 times harder”). Officials say operations are ahead of schedule, Iran’s missile/drone capabilities are severely degraded, and Iran “stands alone” and is “badly losing.”

This is not just Israel vs. Iran anymore—it’s a direct US-Israel vs. Iran war with heavy airstrike/missile exchanges. It has upended Middle East stability, rattled global energy markets, and drawn in proxies.

At the moment Russia and China have shown restrained or critical responses without direct intervention. No major ground invasion has occurred (so far it’s air/missile/naval focused), but escalation risks remain high, especially around oil routes or if proxies widen attacks.