The Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has disclosed that Ghana’s presidential jet is currently grounded and undergoing extensive repairs, attributing its deteriorated state to “years of neglect and poor maintenance” by the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Dr. Boamah’s comments come in response to criticism from Old Tafo MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah, who questioned the use of a chartered private jet by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang for her return trip from Farnborough, UK, to Accra on May 22, 2025. The MP posted a flight receipt on Facebook, sparking debate about government spending.
“Prof Jane Naana Agyeman’s chartered flight!!!” Assafuah captioned the post.
Falcon Jet in Disrepair
In a detailed rebuttal, the Defence Minister confirmed that the Falcon presidential jet is unfit for service, citing severe mechanical issues.
“The presidential jet is currently unfit for use,” Dr. Boamah stated, adding that the aircraft’s fuel tank is corroded and the jet is undergoing maintenance, repair, and overhaul outside the country.
According to the Minister, it will take at least three more months before the aircraft can be restored to a usable state.
“Akufo-Addo’s administration ran down the presidential jet,” Dr. Boamah asserted. “Let the NPP, which suffered the most humiliating defeat in recent memory, know this.”
Longstanding Debate Over Charter Flights
The use of chartered aircraft by government officials has been a recurring issue in Ghana’s political discourse. During the Akufo-Addo era, North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa frequently criticised the president for using luxury chartered jets, even when the Falcon jet was reportedly available.
Dr. Boamah pointed out that the current situation mirrors an earlier period under President John Mahama, when the Falcon was temporarily out of service and the President had to rely on a private jet belonging to his brother, businessman Ibrahim Mahama. The Falcon was eventually repaired and brought back into use.
The Defence Minister emphasized the need for pragmatism and transparency in official travel logistics, particularly when safety and reliability are at stake.
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