Ghana to Receive New Presidential Aircraft by November 2026 – Callistus Mahama
Dr. Callistus Mahama says new aircraft will enable Ghana to rely on its own resources for presidential travel
- Ghana is expected to receive additional planes by November 2026, including one dedicated to President John Dramani Mahama’s travel
- The acquisition is aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation capability
- The President’s recent use of a private jet is a stopgap measure that will no longer be needed once the new aircraft join the fleet
Ghana is set to receive new aircraft for its presidential fleet by November 2026, including one specifically for the President’s use, according to Dr. Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 15, Dr. Mahama explained that the acquisition is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s aviation capabilities under the ongoing retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He noted that once the new aircraft are delivered, Ghana will be able to rely fully on its own state assets for safe and efficient presidential travel. The announcement comes amid public attention over President Mahama’s recent use of a private jet owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama, for official trips.
Dr. Mahama stressed that the private jet arrangement is temporary and will no longer be necessary once the additional aircraft join the presidential fleet later this year.
“Plans are already underway to strengthen Ghana’s presidential air transport capability as part of the broader retooling of the Armed Forces. By November this year, the country is expected to have additional aircraft within the presidential fleet, including one dedicated to the President’s travel,” he said.
He added that the development will allow the state to rely on its own resources for presidential transportation and avoid temporary arrangements that have sparked public debate.
Dr. Mahama also emphasized that President Mahama remains conscious of governance costs and the economic pressures on Ghanaians, noting that decisions about official travel are carefully weighed to ensure prudent use of public funds.
The government’s broader reform agenda aims to strengthen state institutions and improve systems supporting governance, including state aviation capabilities. The addition of new aircraft is expected to provide a more stable and self-reliant arrangement for presidential travel as the retooling of the Armed Forces continues.
