Defence Minister Dr . Edward Omane Boamah has confirmed that Ghana’s Falcon 900EX EASy presidential jet (registration 9G‑EXE) is still grounded in France, having been there since March 11, 2025, due to severe corrosion and other technical faults .
During the Government Accountability Series held at Jubilee House on Monday, July 21, Dr Boamah revealed that the jet has suffered “serious corrosion in its fuel tanks and engine components,” including damage affecting the turbofan on engine No 2, which had to be entirely replaced . The air intake plug receptacle and multiple fuel tanks—left, right, and centre—are all reportedly compromised, while the starter‑generator has been showing intermittent faults .
Originally slated for routine 24‑month/1,600‑flight‑hour maintenance, the return was initially scheduled for March 26, 2025. However, new faults and delays in sourcing parts have repeatedly postponed the jet’s delivery. The Defence Minister mentioned that although a return date has been set for July 31, this has been missed before due to shifting timelines .
Describing the situation as “sad” and “frustrating,” Dr Boamah emphasized that despite the ongoing issues, this does not provide justification to continuously rent private jets for official travel . Nevertheless, interim travel arrangements have been put in place to ensure the president and other officials can still travel as needed .
The Defence Minister also announced a broader review of Ghana’s air, naval, and military assets to determine whether repairs or acquisitions best serve national interests . Meanwhile, work is ongoing to refurbish the Falcon and return it to service, although its ageing status and maintenance pattern have fueled debate over whether a newer, more reliable aircraft should replace it altogether .
Summary of Key Issues:
Issue Details
Corrosion Significant rust found in multiple fuel tanks and engine parts, including the turbofan on engine No 2 and the air intake plug receptacle .
Faults Intermittent starter‑generator failures and other deferred defects requiring manufacturer-level fixes .
Timeline Maintenance began March 11; initially expected back March 26; now delayed with a new target around July 31—though history shows dates have been missed .
Cost & Alternatives Dr Boamah stresses the expense of rentals is unnecessary, and signaled that Ghana is reviewing options to repair or replace the jet within a broader defence strategy .