A security analyst, Emmanuel Kotin, has described the country's presidential jet as a flying coffin.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Kotin stated that President Mahama should refrain from using the faulty aircraft for any travel because of its serious safety concerns.

He stated categorically that Ghana needs a presidential jet that reflects its status as a sovereign nation.

“Six years ago, I described it as a flying coffin. That is what it is. Let’s put politics aside and treat this as a national emergency,” he said.

“Nobody would advise the President to use the jet. We need an aircraft befitting our status as a sovereign country,” he added.

Ghana’s official presidential jet, the Falcon 900EX EASy, with registration number 9G-EXE, has been grounded in France since March 11, 2025, due to a major inspection and critical repairs.

The defects include severe corrosion in its fuel tanks and engine components.

This revelation surfaced after Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, questioned the aircraft’s status following Vice President Naana Jane’s private return to Ghana.

In response, Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, confirmed the aircraft’s unavailability and cited ongoing maintenance at Dassault Falcon Service (DFS) in Le Bourget, France.

A technical report warned that fuel tank contamination, if left untreated, could lead to engine failure during flight, posing a grave safety risk.

The aircraft, initially expected to return by March 26, 2025, has had its delivery date postponed multiple times.

SA/EB