Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has revealed that the Mahama administration has begun the process of purchasing a new presidential jet, even as President John Mahama completes his second term and will not personally fly the aircraft. The Finance Minister said the procurement plan would be submitted to Parliament for discussion in the coming weeks.
Dr Forson explained that “the amount spent in the past chartering private jets could have bought a new one.” He added that agreements and contracts related to the presidential aircraft will soon be presented to lawmakers for approval.
Ghana’s current presidential jet, a 15-year-old Dassault Falcon 900EX EASy (9G-EXE), has been grounded in France, for major repairs. Investigations revealed critical defects, including severe corrosion in fuel tanks and engine components. The aircraft, which accommodates up to 16 passengers in a VIP configuration, has frequently required maintenance, prompting debates about whether a newer, larger jet is needed to replace it.
Last year, the Akufo-Addo government sent the same 16-seater jet to France for servicing, experiencing a two-month delay. During that period, the government had to rent costly executive jets for official travel, a move criticized for prioritizing comfort and convenience at high expense. Dr Forson did not disclose details about the new jet, including its country of origin, engine specifications, or seating capacity.
In addition to the presidential aircraft, the Mahama government plans to procure four new helicopters for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) as part of a broader retooling and modernization program starting in 2026. Presenting the 2026 Budget and Economic Policy in Parliament, Dr Forson said the initiative aims to strengthen Ghana’s military capabilities and improve national defense readiness.
“The Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning 2026, we will commence the procurement of four modern helicopters, including one long-range and one medium-range aircraft,” he said. The minister added that delivery of all four helicopters is expected within four years, with one or two potentially arriving earlier. “These helicopters are fitted with modern gadgets to enhance operational effectiveness,” he noted.
The announcement comes in the wake of the tragic helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom District, which claimed the lives of eight high-profile officials, including Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, and Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology. The helicopter, a Harbin Z-9EH, was on an anti-illegal-mining mission when it lost radar contact and crashed.
Investigations led by Dr Forson and National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak found that the helicopter met basic safety requirements but lacked additional modern safety features. Recommendations from the investigative report include acquiring aircraft with Terrain Awareness and Warning Systems (TAWS/EGPWS), modern navigation systems, and investing in flight simulators for recurrent training. Captain Paul Forjoe, an aviation safety expert, confirmed that the crew had adequate rest and proper qualifications prior to the flight.
Despite the tragedy, the Finance Minister emphasized that the procurement of helicopters and the presidential jet is part of a long-term modernization plan aimed at ensuring Ghana’s air capabilities meet evolving security challenges. However, opposition lawmakers, including Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, former MP for Karaga, have criticized the government, arguing that the focus on aircraft procurement overlooks urgent issues such as youth unemployment. Dr Amin Adam described the expenditure of US$1.2 billion on two jets, four helicopters, and two offshore patrol vessels as untimely, especially given the economic pressures on ordinary Ghanaians.
The Mahama government has insisted that the measures are essential for national security and operational readiness of the armed forces, stressing that the procurement plans will go through parliamentary scrutiny before implementation.
The upcoming media briefing, according to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, will provide detailed findings and recommendations to prevent future aviation accidents and improve safety protocols in government and military air operations. The August 6 crash remains one of Ghana’s most devastating air tragedies, prompting nationwide calls for comprehensive reforms in air safety and defense capabilities.
