Security analyst Emmanuel Kotin has reiterated warnings that Ghana’s presidential aircraft poses critical safety risks, describing it as a “flying coffin” during a July 12 media appearance.
His assessment follows Defense Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah’s disclosure of severe technical defects in the Falcon 900EX jet currently undergoing mandatory inspection.
Technical documents submitted to Parliament reveal multiple critical issues:
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Severe corrosion in left-hand, right-hand, and center wing fuel tanks
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Corrosion and damage requiring complete replacement of Engine No. 2’s air intake plug receptacle and turbofan
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Intermittent starter-generator failures on Engine No. 2
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Accumulated deferred defects requiring manufacturer-level intervention
“Six years ago I described it as a flying coffin. That is what it is,” Kotin stated on KeyPoints, urging bipartisan action: “Let’s treat this as a national emergency.”
He emphasized that the documented issues make the aircraft unsafe for presidential use, adding, “Nobody would advise the President to use the jet… We need a jet befitting of our status.”
The aircraft’s 24-Month/1600 Flight Hour inspection has grounded it indefinitely. The revelations come amid ongoing debates about national resource allocation, including President Mahama’s $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure plan funded by oil revenues.
Kotin’s warnings highlight urgent aviation safety priorities requiring immediate resolution.
