Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
Minister For Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has revealed that Ghana’s presidential jet remains grounded in France due to heavy corrosion, with efforts underway to restore the aircraft to flying condition.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House yesterday, Dr. Boamah confirmed that the Falcon aircraft has not returned from maintenance, and expressed frustration over missed delivery deadlines.
“It is sad to note that for some time now, whenever the aircraft goes for either maintenance or repair… And in this case, as we speak, the aircraft is still not in. We’ve been given a date, but I don’t want to put that date out because I’ve been given too many dates which did not materialise,” he said.
Dr. Boamah expressed hope of the presidential jet landing in Ghana, saying, “We are hoping that this date that has been given, we will see the Falcon here in Ghana,” he added.
The minister revealed the extent of damage to the presidential jet, describing it as serious.
Dr. Boamah emphasised that the jet’s condition does not justify renting expensive private aircraft. “The truth is that it is heavily corroded. That does not in any way justify hiring or renting luxurious aircraft, persistently – no way,” he said.
He added that “For now, the focus remains on getting the existing aircraft back in service. We are focused on restoring what we have to a serviceable state so that we can make do with it.”
Peace & Security
Meanwhile, the minister has indicated that Ghana, to a very large extent, is safe, stable, peaceful, and ready to experience a golden age under the reset agenda of President John Dramani Mahama.
He mentioned that the Ghana Armed Forces continues to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity through coordinated land, maritime, and air operations, while the overall internal and external security of Ghana remains stable.
“We acknowledge that the situation in Bawku and Alavanyo and their immediate surroundings remains quite volatile. The Ghana Armed Forces is actively monitoring developments and has put in place robust mechanisms to ensure any potential escalation is swiftly contained, in the interest of a peaceful and long-lasting resolution of the conflicts through dialogue,” he assured.
Dr. Boamah emphasised that the ministry and the security machinery will separate crime from traditional matters, in order to deal appropriately and legally with criminals who foment trouble in the name of chieftaincy conflicts.
“Let me assure you once again that the government has decided to take necessary steps to reconstruct the statue of the Zugraan of the traditional area in Bawku, while investigations into the incident continue. We are also addressing emerging security threats such as violent extremism and terrorism, as well as other transnational threats,” he added.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke