Ghana’s official Presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASY, has been declared unserviceable due to serious technical issues, including extensive corrosion, Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah has revealed.
Dr. Boamah disclosed that the aircraft typically reserved for the President, Vice President, and other high-ranking officials, has been grounded after key components were found to be severely damaged.
“The Presidential jet is currently unserviceable. Its major systems have suffered significant corrosion, making it unfit for flight operations involving our top officials,” the Minister said.
The revelation comes amid growing scrutiny of government travel costs and mounting calls for greater transparency over the use of chartered flights by state officials.
The Dassault Falcon 900EX, purchased during former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s administration, has served as Ghana’s main VIP aircraft for nearly two decades. Over the years, concerns have been raised about its reliability, especially as reports of maintenance challenges have surfaced repeatedly.
While Dr. Boamah did not confirm whether the aircraft would be repaired or replaced, he stressed that the safety of the President and other top officials remains a top priority.
“A full assessment is ongoing to determine the next steps. We will ensure any decision made guarantees the highest safety standards,” he added.
The announcement has sparked public debate over whether Ghana should invest in a new presidential aircraft or continue to lease flights when necessary, a subject that has previously attracted both political and public criticism.
