Presidential Jet Brought Back to Ghana After 8 Months of Repairs in France

• Ghana’s presidential jet has returned after months of repairs in France, where it underwent mandatory technical inspections
• The detailed checks showed severe defects in the fuel tank and a turbofan, requiring extended repairs
• All issues have now been resolved, the jet has been cleared by Dassault Falcon Service, and has been handed over to the Ghana Air Force

Bright Simons, the Vice President of IMANI Africa, has disclosed that Ghana's presidential jet has officially returned to the country after eight months of repairs in France.

He explained some of the repairs that were undertaken and the reasons the presidential jet remained in France for what seemed to be a long period.

In a post on X, Bright Simons said the presidential jet was delivered to the Ghana Air Force on Monday, November 10, 2025.

"Ghana’s presidential jet has been delivered safely back into the custody of the Ghana Air Force since Monday, the 10th of November — exactly eight months after it was sent to the Dassault Falcon Service (DFS) MRO base at Paris Le Bourget (PLB)."

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He indicated that while in France, the presidential jet underwent a compulsory maintenance process.

"Whilst at PLB, it underwent a mandatory 24-month and 1,600-hour technical inspection."

Bright Simons disclosed that the detailed inspection led the team to uncover serious defects that required the aircraft to be kept for a longer period so they could be repaired.

"During this extensive inspection, severe defects affecting the fuel tank and a turbofan were discovered, triggering prolonged repairs that could only be done with manufacturer assistance at that specific Dassault facility."

He further stated that all the defects had been fixed and the aircraft had received clearance from DFS.

"All the complex repairs, final tests (including leak tests, engine ground runs, and acceptance flights) have been successfully completed. The long delay in completing the repairs was due to some apparent difficulty in sourcing certain OEM-certified spare parts. The aircraft has, however, been given the all-clear by DFS now."

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"Before delivery to Accra, a positioning flight from Marseille, related to minor logistics, was conducted."

The return of the presidential jet brings an end to months of public speculation surrounding the status of the aircraft.

Netizens comment on return of presidential jet

YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the post shared by Bright Simons on X. Read them below:

@0_Sedem said:

"If possible, the government should consider trading in this aircraft for a more modern and reliable one that can serve the country efficiently for a much longer period. Although the repairs have been completed and the jet is now airworthy."

@kantwiag wrote:

"Can't the government procure a much wider body and modern aircraft for presidential travels. This repaired model is out moded. It does not befit our status. Don't you think the thought of it being a repaired craft is enough to even scare government officials. Think about it."

@Tagbor5 said:

"Ditch this flying coffin somewhere and let’s buy a better jet for our president. It is time we value lives than the cost of items."

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@KofiBonnah19570 wrote:

"Didn’t Okudjeto Ablakwa say that the aircraft could be used for the next 30 years? The president should use it for all presidential travels. Posterity won’t forgive us if we buy a new presidential jet. It it was bad buying it yesterday it’s still bad to buy it today."

@Emmanue48407309 said:

"Ghana needs a new presidential jet. For how long are we going to be patching up this old jet? We should think of the absolute safety of our President on his foreign travels. The Government should purchase a new Presidential Jet now."

Ablakwa weighs in on Presidential jet discussions

Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reportedly said that Ghana could buy a new presidential jet if the current one is outdated.

His comments came after a helicopter crash killed eight including two ministers.

Critics claimed Ablakwa opposed a similar move under Akufo-Addo, but he insists he acted to protect taxpayers.

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Source: YEN.com.gh