Ghanaian businessman Ibrahim Mahama has donated his private jet to be used as an air ambulance across the country after acquiring a new one.

Ghana's state-owned media outlet, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), quoted the business mogul as saying his "old plane is now an air ambulance for every Ghanaian," shortly after he took delivery of his new Bombardier Global 6500 aircraft at the Accra International Airport on Wednesday, February 4.

The private jet donation comes after the Ghana National Ambulance Service announced plans to acquire 400 new ground ambulances and 500 medical motorbikes amid shortages of ambulances in the country.

The donation comes less than a year after the businessman provided the private jet for the emergency transfer of a helicopter crash victims to South Africa for forensic analysis.

Responding to emergencies

At least eight officials died in the accident, including Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, who were travelling to the mining town of Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for an event to address problems of illegal mining.

Some Ghanaians praise the businessman for the donation, saying it will help in responding to emergency services, while others express scepticism, saying aircraft as air ambulances might end up only benefiting the country's elite.

Ibrahim Mahama's new jet is estimated to be worth more than $70 million. Ibrahim Mahama, who is a brother to Ghana's President John Mahama, is one of West Africa's top businesspeople, with his businesses spanning various sectors, including mining, construction, and agriculture.

The Ghanaian businessman is also known for his philanthropy, helping less privileged families in terms of education and jobs.

Born in 1971 in Piase, in the Northern Region of Ghana, Ibrahim Mahama established his first company, Engineers & Planners, in 1997, based in Accra, specialising in mining and construction projects, and his businesses have expanded since then.