The Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, Dominic Nitiwul, is demanding clarity from the government over its decision to procure two new aircraft for the Ghana Air Force after years of rejecting similar proposals.
His comments follow Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement on Thursday, November 13, that government will, from 2026, begin the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft. The aircraft are expected to be delivered within four years as part of efforts to enhance the Air Force’s operational capacity.
Dr. Forson justified the procurement by citing the ageing condition of the current fleet and the heavy maintenance demands that continue to affect efficiency. He noted that the new acquisitions will support aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, maritime patrols, air defence, disaster response, and medical evacuation operations.
However, addressing Parliament on Thursday, November 20, the former Defence Minister questioned why the government dismissed earlier recommendations for strategic airlift capabilities, only to approve similar purchases now. Nitiwul argued that the delay has never been in Ghana’s national security interest.
“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. My position has not changed in the last eight years: it is not in our interest as a country not to have a strategic lift. We need it,” he said.
He further urged the government to acknowledge its earlier stance and provide answers.
“The government should own up. You now want to buy two—fine. But own up, apologise to the people of Ghana, and explain why you rejected the purchase for the last five years, only to return today seeking approval for a long-range and a medium-size aircraft,” Nitiwul added.
