Former Deputy Defence Minister Kofi Amankwaa-Manu has confirmed that Ghana’s presidential jet, the Dassault Falcon 900, is currently in the country and in good condition following routine servicing in France.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem about the government’s plan to acquire a new presidential aircraft, Mr. Amankwaa-Manu explained that the jet was sent to France for maintenance during the previous administration under Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He noted that presidential aircraft require periodic servicing after flying a certain distance or after a set operational period.

“The jet has arrived in Ghana, and the current Chief of Air Staff personally piloted it back to the country, so I can say that the presidential jet is in good condition,” he stated.

Mr. Amankwaa-Manu stated that the aircraft was flown back rather than transported by sea, indicating it is fully operational. He disagreed with suggestions that the current presidential jet is unfit for use.

During recent official trips, President John Dramani Mahama used a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, a prominent Ghanaian businessman.

This has sparked public debate over why the President opted for a private aircraft instead of the state-owned jet.

In response, the Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Fosu, explained that the jet provided by Ibrahim Mahama is free of charge, with the state covering only the fuelling costs.