Ghana President Private Jet Source Bing.com
For years, the Ghanaian government has been under scrutiny for its spending on luxury items. One of the most controversial expenses has been the purchase and maintenance of a presidential jet. In this article, we will explore the history of Ghana’s presidential jet, controversies surrounding its use, and the current state of affairs.
The History of Ghana’s Presidential Jet
Ghana Presidential Jet History Source Bing.com
Ghana’s first presidential jet was purchased in 1998 during the administration of President Jerry Rawlings. The Boeing 727-100 was acquired to replace an aging Falcon 900 that had been in service since 1983. The purchase was heavily criticized at the time, with many questioning the need for such an expensive luxury item in a country where poverty was widespread.
The presidential jet has since been upgraded several times, with the most recent acquisition being a Gulfstream G550 in 2010 during the administration of President John Atta Mills. The Gulfstream is a long-range business jet that can fly up to 12 hours nonstop, making it ideal for presidential travel.
The Controversies Surrounding Ghana’s Presidential Jet
Ghana Presidential Jet Controversies Source Bing.com
One of the main controversies surrounding Ghana’s presidential jet is the cost involved in purchasing and maintaining the aircraft. According to reports, the Gulfstream G550 cost Ghana around $37 million, not including the cost of maintenance and upgrades. This has led to criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations, who argue that the money could have been better spent on social programs to benefit the poor.
Another controversy surrounding the presidential jet is its use by government officials for personal travel. In 2014, it was reported that former President John Mahama used the jet to travel to Equatorial Guinea for the wedding of one of his sons. This sparked outrage among Ghanaians, who felt that the president was using state resources for personal gain.
The Current State of Affairs
Ghana Presidential Jet Current State Source Bing.com
Currently, the Ghanaian government is in the process of selling the presidential jet in order to raise funds to tackle the country’s economic challenges. In 2019, the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, announced that the government had appointed a transaction advisor to oversee the sale of the aircraft. However, the sale has not yet been finalized, and it remains to be seen what the final price tag will be.
In conclusion, the Ghanaian presidential jet has been a source of controversy and scrutiny for many years. While some argue that it is a necessary tool for presidential travel, others feel that the cost involved is too high, and that the money could be better spent on social programs to benefit the poor. With the government currently in the process of selling the aircraft, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Ghana’s presidential jet.
