Claim: President Mahama has procured four aeroplanes since he came into office.
Source: Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip
Verdict: False
Researched by Nusrat Essah
The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has accused President John Mahama of acquiring four “aeroplanes” at a time when the government can’t find money to pay cocoa farmers.
During an engagement with cocoa farmers at Ahafo Ano South West on March 18, 2026, he said in Twi: “Since he (Mahama) came into office…he has bought aeroplanes; one, two, three, four aeroplanes. We are informed that one of the aeroplanes is equipped with a shower facility that allows the President, his wife and family to bathe during flights.”
This report will verify whether President Mahama has indeed procured four aeroplanes.
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Fact-Check
GhanaFact reviewed the 2026 budget and records of parliamentary approvals to fact-check this claim.
During the 2026 budget presentation in November 2025, the government announced plans to procure four modern helicopters, one long-range and one medium-range aircraft.
“Mr Speaker, the Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning 2026, the Government of Ghana will begin the procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range and one medium-range aircraft. Mr Speaker, these aircrafts are expected to be delivered in four years, if the procurement processes are completed in 2026,” Finance Minister Ato Forson said.
Subsequently, in December 2025, parliament formally approved the government’s procurement contracts which included a 125.97 million euro agreement with Airbus Helicopters for one H160 and three H175 helicopters, and a 60.68 million dollar agreement with Dassault Aviation for one Falcon 6X for the Ghana Air Force.
On March 5, 2026, Ghana received its first Airbus H175 helicopter. According to the GAF, “The arrival of the H175 forms part of a wider aircraft procurement initiative approved by Parliament, which includes the acquisition of one H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters as well as a Falcon 6X long-range aircraft from Dassault Aviation.”
The approved procurement does not include four aeroplanes, but rather four helicopters and one aeroplane (Falcon 6X).
Some facilities on the Falcon 6X
- The Falcon 6X has the widest and tallest cabins in business aviation, designed for more space, movement, and comfort during long flights.
- It has an advanced cabin air filtration and circulation system and 30 extra-large windows and a skylight, providing natural light and panoramic views inside the cabin.
- The aircraft includes a FalconConnect broadband and cabin management systems for entertainment, device control and in-flight communication.
- It has an optional privacy suite that can be used as a meeting space by day or a resting area at night.
- It is equipped with an advanced digital flight control system that commands all flight control surfaces, enhancing performance, reducing pilot workload, and ensuring a smoother flight experience.
For context, all aircrafts purchased by government are handed over to the Air Force for management and maintenance, by extension, they make it available for the president’s travel within and outside the country. The Communication Squadron, is the unit that deals with “Air Transport Operations/VIP Airlift,” according to the Air Force.
Verdict
The claim by Frank Annoh-Dompreh that Mahama has procured four aeroplanes is False.
NOTE: We reached out to the Minority Chief Whip via Facebook Messenger with our findings but he has yet to reply.
