Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has explained that Contrary to the widely held view that the Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy purchased by President Kuffour in 2008 is a classified a presidential jet may not be entirely accurate.

According to the spokesperson the aircraft the said aircraft which has now become a subject of controversy is “not even a presidential jet”. She explains that “the Ghana armed forces jet (Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy) is in France undergoing maintenance work that has delayed for several months”

Her Comments come in the wake of the demand by the Traders Advocacy Group Ghana (TAGG), calling on government to urgently procure a modern state aircraft to guarantee the safety and dignity of the President and protect Ghana’s international image.

In a statement dated August 20, 2025, TAGG expressed concern over the inconveniences and risks the President faces during foreign travels, describing the situation as a matter of national security rather than luxury.

As traders who travel frequently, we understand the frustrations of unreliable airline arrangements. It is worrying that even the First Gentleman of the land is subjected to such inconveniences,” the group said.

President Mahama’s decision to fly aboard a commercial airlines on his recent trips to Japan and Singapore has left many wondering why he would not rely on a president jet for his official trips. Some other Members of Parliament on the minority Side had earlier speculated that the president had rented a luxurious jet, a claim Jubilee house vehemently denied.

However speaking on weekend analysis show Prime Insight, the Deputy Presidential spokesperson explained to host of the program Blessed Sogah that the president was collating all divergent views on the national discourse over whether or not the president should buy a new jet for use on his presidential trip while stressing that such a decision had not been taking yet.

“So if it is about purchasing or ensuring the safety of the president that will be done. if President Muhammad needs to travel with a a private jet, it will happen. The difference would be that the mindset in securing that private jet is not about a luxurious” she added.

Ghana’s Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy aircraft, which has been undergoing servicing, was found to have severe corrosion in its fuel tanks. In addition, the air intake plug receptacle of the second engine was also corroded, contributing to the prolonged delay.

A major component, the jet’s turbofan, had to be replaced entirely after assessments deemed the original beyond repair. This is not the first time the presidential aircraft has suffered setbacks but there’s no end in sight as to when the repair works will be completed.