Ibrahim Adjei, a Former Assistant Secretary at the Office of former President Akufo-Addo, has advised the government to consider selling Ghana’s presidential jet within a year and acquire a new one if necessary to ensure long-term value, safety, and modernity.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Monday, November 17, he emphasised that leaders must make decisions with a generational perspective, considering the legacy and benefits for the nation rather than short-term politics.
“Every leader must think generational. You should think about the legacy you could leave. When President Kufuor ordered the jet, he knew he was going out of office. So it is not for him but the nation, but purchased it despite the criticism that came with it,” he said.
While acknowledging that the Falcon jet is currently airworthy following repairs, Mr Adjei cautioned that its long-term serviceability and technological capacity must be carefully evaluated.
“What President Mahama needs to do is, the jet is fit for purpose now and airworthy as cleared by the mechanics, but how long is it airworthy? The government should think about how we can position the next generation and invest in facilities that will benefit us,” he added.
He further suggested that if assessments indicate a replacement is needed, the government should act decisively to procure an aircraft that better meets modern requirements, including updated instruments and technology.
“If we need to sell it within the next year, let us do so and purchase one that will serve the presidency better and provide value for money going forward.
“Because technology keeps changing, there will be different instruments on these new planes that the Falcon doesn’t have, and the president needs to be accessible to new technology in terms of air travel,” he said.
His comments follow the disclosure by Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa, that Ghana’s presidential jet has finally returned from an eight-month repair exercise in France, after being grounded for mechanical maintenance.
