Ernest Brogya Genfi is the Deputy Minister of Defence
The Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, has said the government’s evaluation of Ghana’s presidential aircraft needs will prioritise reliability and long-haul performance, rather than passenger capacity.
According to myjoyonline.com on November 7, 2025, Genfi noted that although the current presidential jet, the Falcon 900EX, accommodates fewer people, compared to previous aircraft, the focus is on ensuring safety, endurance, and operational efficiency.
“If you want to assess the need for a presidential air asset, you consider a lot of factors. Capacity may not be the primary determinant. The reliability of the aircraft and its capacity to go a long haul without having to stop midway for refuelling are things we are looking at,” he explained.
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His comments follow concerns over the prolonged grounding of the Falcon 900EX in France, where it has been undergoing repairs for several months.
The aircraft was initially sent for maintenance after a corroded fuel tank was detected, but further technical challenges have delayed its return.
Updating Parliament earlier this week, the deputy minister said that although the original fault had been fixed, additional complications were discovered during the repair process.
As a result, he said the government is undertaking a broader review of the Ghana Air Force’s entire fleet.
“We are assessing our air assets to ensure we have safe, reliable, and effective aircraft for both military and presidential duties. Any decision to repair, replace, or upgrade aircraft will be guided by national interest and fiscal responsibility,” he indicated.
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The Falcon 900EX, acquired in 2010, has been a subject of public debate regarding its cost, maintenance, and presidential use.
The government has not announced when the aircraft will return to service.
MRA/AE
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