The Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, has called on the government to explain its decision to purchase two new aircraft for the Ghana Air Force, questioning why previous requests for similar acquisitions were repeatedly rejected.
This follows Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, that the government will begin procurement of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft starting in 2026.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered within four years and form part of a broader effort to strengthen the operational capacity of the Ghana Air Force.
Dr. Forson highlighted the need for the acquisitions, citing an ageing fleet and high maintenance demands that limit the Air Force’s readiness. The new aircraft will support aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, maritime patrols, air defence, disaster response, and medical evacuations.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, November 20, the former Defence Minister stressed the urgent need for a strategic lift to support national defence.
Nitiwul said it is not in Ghana’s interest to delay such purchases and challenged the government to justify its prior inaction.
“I keep saying that if there is anybody in this room who knows the needs of the military, I have served them for eight years. I hold the same position I held last year and for the past eight years: it is not in our interest as a country not to have a strategic lift. We need it.”
“The government should own up. You want to buy two – own up, apologise to the people of Ghana, and convince us why you rejected the purchase for the last five years, and today you want to buy two: one long-range and one medium-size,” Nitiwul stated.
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