Ghana’s presidential jet, a Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy, has been grounded in France for over four months due to severe technical issues. The aircraft, which was scheduled to return to Accra by March 26, 2025, remains in France undergoing extensive maintenance work. According to Defence Minister, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, the jet has multiple critical defects, including severe corrosion in its fuel tanks and engine components.
The corrosion issues extend to the turbofan engines, fuel tank, and structural components of the wings, which are being repaired at Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France. This isn’t the first time the presidential jet has faced setbacks. In recent years, the aircraft has experienced significant delays, raising concerns about its airworthiness and reliability.
The jet’s unavailability has forced high-ranking officials, including Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, to use private jets for official trips. A new tentative handover date has been set for July 31, 2025, pending successful completion of repairs. The Ghanaian government has justified the use of private jets due to the presidential jet’s unavailability, sparking concerns about the country’s aging presidential fleet.