Ghana’s presidential aircraft, the Falcon 900EX Executive Jet, has suffered additional delays after new technical faults were discovered during ongoing maintenance in France.
The presidential jet, which has been undergoing repairs for several months, was initially grounded due to corrosion in its fuel tanks, a problem that had already postponed its return.
Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, briefed Parliament on Thursday, November 6, confirming that while the original corrosion issues have been resolved, subsequent inspections uncovered additional complications that have further extended the aircraft’s stay abroad.
“The reported corrosion spots detected within the aircraft’s fuel tanks, which affected the aircraft’s delivery date, have undergone extensive repairs. These corrosion issues in the fuel tanks have since been resolved,” Mr. Genfi told Parliament.
However, the inspection process revealed new problems. “In the course of the inspection, fuel leakages were observed from the right-hand wing tank. Unfortunately, after successfully repairing the section of the wing that experienced the leakages, another challenge was encountered while reinstalling the lower panel beneath the wing,” he explained.
The Falcon 900EX was sent to Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, on March 11, 2025, for a mandatory 24-month and 1,600-flying-hour periodic inspection.
According to Mr. Genfi, this inspection is a compulsory airworthiness requirement designed to ensure that all critical maintenance and functional checks are completed before the aircraft is cleared to fly.
“Mr. Speaker, the Falcon 900 executive aircraft was ferried to Dassault Falcon Service in Le Bourget, France, on Tuesday, 11 March 2025, for the 24-monthly and 1,600-flying-hours periodic inspection. This inspection is a mandatory airworthiness requirement that ensures that all main maintenance and due-list tasks compiled for the inspection are completed,” he stated.
Following the discovery of fuel leakages in the right-hand wing, Dassault Aviation invited the Falcon wing’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) to conduct an on-site assessment and provide technical recommendations to accelerate the repair process.
The OEM completed the necessary repairs, and the right-hand wing has now been fully restored.
Once all repairs are finalised, the presidential jet will undergo a series of final tests, including leak testing of the fuel tanks, a third engine ground run, painting of the wing lower panel, and an acceptance flight.
Mr. Genfi assured Parliament that the Falcon 900EX would return to Ghana only after all technical and safety checks had been completed.
The Falcon 900EX is a key national asset, used for official state functions and diplomatic travel.
Its prolonged maintenance has sparked public interest, as concerns continue to mount over the aircraft’s extended downtime and the logistical implications for state travel.
With the completion of repairs now reportedly imminent, the government has pledged to prioritise safety and airworthiness, ensuring that the presidential jet is fully operational and compliant with international aviation standards before returning to service.
