New Presidential Jet Expected in November 2026 | Discuss Ghana

On Sunday, March 15, 2026, Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Executive Secretary to the President, announced that Ghana is expected to take delivery of a new, dedicated presidential aircraft by November 2026.

The announcement is part of a broader retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces and aims to restore the state's self-reliance for executive travel.

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Context: The "Dzata Jet" Debate

The decision follows intense public and political debate over President John Dramani Mahama's recent use of a private aircraft:

The Private Arrangement: For a state visit to South Korea, the President utilized a Global 6500 private jet (branded "Dzata") owned by his brother, Ibrahim Mahama.

Conflict of Interest Concerns: Opposition politicians and some members of the public raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. The Presidency defended the move as a cost-saving measure, stating the aircraft was provided at no cost to the state.

Technical Necessity: Dr. Callistus Mahama explained that the existing 15-year-old Falcon 900EX EASy lacks the range for long-haul intercontinental flights (like Accra to Seoul) without multiple refueling stops and has recently faced significant technical defects.

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Restoring State Aviation Capacity

The acquisition of the new jet is framed as a key pillar of the administration's "Reset Agenda":

Dedicated Fleet: By November, the presidential fleet will include at least one dedicated long-range aircraft, eliminating the need for temporary or private arrangements.

Institutional Reform: The move is part of an ongoing process to rebuild and re-equip critical state institutions, including the Ghana Air Force.

Security and Functionality: Dr. Mahama emphasized that presidential travel requires specialized communication and security systems that commercial flights cannot provide, making a state-owned jet a "critical requirement" for executive authority.

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Key Timelines

Expected Delivery: November 2026.

Interim Measures: The President will continue to use the safest available options for long-haul travel until the new fleet is operational.

"When that happens, Ghana will once again have the capacity to rely fully on its own state assets... removing the need for the kind of temporary arrangements that have generated the current discussion." — Dr. Callistus Mahama.