The Presidential 900EX Is Stuck In France Over Safety Concerns
Ghana’s presidential jet, a Dassault Falcon 900EX (9G-EXE), has been grounded in France since March 11, 2025. It was undergoing a routine inspection, but engineers found serious damage. As a result, its return has been delayed multiple times.
According to 3News, the technicians uncovered corrosion in the left, right, and center wing fuel tanks. In addition, they reported damage to Engine No. 2 and the starter-generator system. These faults, if ignored, could lead to midair failure. Because of the severe damage, the Falcon was declared unsafe for flight. Consequently, the handover date has been postponed.
Ghana’s Presidential Jet Is A “Flying Coffin” – Security Expert
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Ghana’s Minister for Defence, confirmed the jet’s condition in Parliament on July 11, 2025. He responded to a question from MP Vincent Ekow Assafuah. The MP asked why Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang had used a private jet in May. Furthermore, security expert Emmanuel Kotin referred to the Falcon as a “flying coffin” during a panel discussion on TV3’s KeyPoints. He warned that the issue should be treated as a national emergency, not a political matter.
Initially, the Ghana Air Force planned to return the jet by March 26. However, the inspection revealed more problems than expected. As a result, the aircraft’s release has been pushed to July 31. The Falcon has had a troubled past. In 2018, it suffered engine failure. Then, in 2015, it caught fire during landing due to wheel issues. Boamah explained that years of maintenance neglect under a previous administration worsened the jet’s condition.
Ghana’s Presidential Jet Grounded Beyond Schedule
The Falcon’s limited capacity, with just 12 seats, makes long-distance trips challenging. For that reason, there are growing calls for Ghana to invest in a new aircraft, possibly a Boeing Business Jet. Supporters of the idea believe a modern plane would improve safety and save time. However, others argue that the cost is too high and the country has bigger priorities. Either way, the issue has renewed debates about safety, budgeting, and transparency in government spending.
Why the President Used a Private Jet
Due to the Falcon’s unavailability, President John Dramani Mahama used a private jet owned by his brother earlier in 2025. After public backlash, he switched to using the Falcon again during a January 25 trip to Kenya via Angola. Meanwhile, opposition leaders argue that the Falcon was operational in December 2024. Therefore, they question why private flights were approved. In response, Boamah noted that the Ghana Air Force and the Office of the President make all travel decisions, not individual politicians.