Andrews Asiedu Tetteh, a Security analyst, has said President John Mahama’s use of a commercial flight poses no security threat.
The security analyst detailed that, aviation industry prioritises the safety, security, and comfort of travellers.
According to him, the President’s security details are allowed to conduct a security sweep on the commercial flight before the president even boards the plane.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, “No. To a large extent, no. One of the most secure areas in terms of security has to do with the aviation industry. The aviation industry prioritises the safety, security, and comfort of travellers. To even get on board a commercial flight, a lot of things go on.
Apart from the searches conducted, several other security measures take place behind the scenes without your knowledge”.
He added that “if a president is going on board, his security is allowed to conduct security checks before the President gets on board the plane. These security checks are done even way ahead before the President boards the plane.”
Security analyst also noted that President John Mahama will have the final authority in determining whether Ghana need a new presidential jet based on his safety or any other reasons.
Ghana’s Falcon 900 EX Presidential Jet was purchased in 2009 and arrived in the country in 2010 has been a topical issue following the August 6 tragedy.
The presidential jet replaced a 37-year-old Foker 27 aircraft, which was regarded as a flying coffin.
His comments come following President Mahama’s use of a commercial Emirates flight during his trip to Japan.
The Falcon 900 EX Presidential Jet has since been grounded at the Dassault Falcon Service facility in Le Bourget, France, due to massive wear and tear issues.
In 2021, the former Akufo-Addo government sought to purchase a new and bigger jet for the Presidency, but faced public backlash over accusations of extravagant travels by Akufo-Addo.
Also, Kwadwo Boateng-Agyemang, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) New Juaben North Constituency Chairman, has said the late Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, told President John Dramani Mahama the presidential jet was a coffin.
According to Kwadwo Boateng-Agyemang, the late Omane Boamah pointed blankly warned Mahama about Ghana’s presidential jet as not safe.
Speaking on Atinka TV, Boateng-Agyemang stated, “I will never join the conversation about buying a new private jet. Look at what has happened regarding the crash; my family member was involved. I don’t want to make it emotional, but the truth is, they refused to service the aircraft because of what they had said”.
“The report from Omane Boamah to the president was clear. He told him point-blank that the jet Okudzeto Ablakwa was making noise about, when former President Akufo-Addo was using it, was not safe. He said if Mahama sits in it, he, Omane Boamah, would not because the jet was a coffin”, Boateng-Agyemang claimed.
He further alleged that the Z9 Helicopter that crashed on August 6, 2025, was due for servicing.
He added, “If President Mahama says my cousin never warned him, he should come out and deny it. But if he does, my brother’s ghost will haunt him forever. The truth is that the jet that crashed was due for servicing, which was going to cost the nation 12 million euros”.
Also, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on all political actors to stop playing politics with the procurement of presidential planes and helicopters.
According to the Asantehene, lives are at stake, and Ghana must ensure the safety and efficiency of the president and its personnel in the security service.