Why Ghana needs a new presidential jet : a look at Presidential jets of neighboring African countries

Why Ghana needs a new presidential jet : a look at Presidential jets of neighboring African countries

Why Ghana needs a new presidential jet: As the debate to procure a new and bigger presidential jet for the President of the Republic of Ghana continues, we are privileged to see the Presidential jets of our neighboring countries who are attending the ECOWAS 59th ordinary session in Accra.

A look from the Kotoka International Airport has revealed the various Presidential jets from other neighboring ECOWAS leaders who are attending the session.

The Presidential Jet of the Nigerian President

The luxurious aircraft used by President Muhammadu Buhari, the president of Nigeria, to travel to Ghana to attend the ECOWAS meeting is Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) 737.

This luxurious jet has a seating capacity of between 25 and 50 passengers with a master bedroom, a bathroom with showers, a conference/dining area and a living room, along with state-of-the-art security equipment for the safety of the president.

The aircraft is nicknamed “Eagle One” and is marked NAF-001. The BBJ 737 is believed to cost between US$90 million and US$150 million. There is no doubt that the Nigerian government could afford this luxurious jet looking at the countries GDP which is one of the highest in Africa.

Aside this jet, the government of Nigeria also have another jet Gulfstream V-SP in its fleet of aircrafts which is mostly used by the foreign affairs minister for international travels.

Presidential Jet of the President of Niger

The Nigérien president, Mohamed Bazoum, travelled to Ghana in a Boeing 737-700. 

This luxurious jet is worth USD 40 million and according to the Boeing website, the airline provides its users with superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns. 

Although with a population of nearly 18 million, and about 60% of the populates living below the poverty line, the government of Niger saw the need to procure this expensive aircraft.

The jet can carry at least 126 and at most 149 passengers.

Looking at these countries who are not too far from Ghana and the kind of jets they own for presidential assignments, Ghana should indeed be at the critical point of decision making in procuring a new jet for the president.  Do you think Ghana should a new presidential jet?