The government has laid before Parliament two major contract agreements for the purchase of four helicopters and a new presidential jet for the Ghana Air Force (GAF). The contracts, presented on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, outline multi-million-euro and dollar commitments aimed at enhancing the Air Force’s operational capacity.
The first agreement, signed between the Government of Ghana and Airbus Helicopter (SAS) of France, is valued at €125.97 million. It covers the supply of one H160 and three H175 helicopters for the GAF.
The second agreement is a $60.68 million sale and purchase contract with Dassault Aviation of France for the acquisition of a Falcon 6X to serve as the presidential jet.
Deputy Minister of Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi submitted the agreements to the House. Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako referred the documents to the Joint Committee on Defence and Interior as well as the leadership of the Finance Committee for detailed examination and reporting.
Ablakwa: President Mahama Is Taking a “Prudent Path”
The discussion gained momentum shortly after Parliament approved GH₵1.70 billion in budget estimates for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sector Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa assured the House that President John Dramani Mahama’s travel choices remain within prudent limits, emphasising that he currently flies on commercial airlines for all international engagements.
He argued that previous criticisms he levelled at former President Akufo-Addo were justified, as analyses by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson showed that the expenditure Akufo-Addo incurred on chartered flights “could have bought us a brand new jet.”
Ablakwa insisted the new aircraft acquisitions serve national and military interests rather than luxury.
“President Mahama has now put us on a prudent path. Instead of wasting taxpayer resources on charter flights, he is pursuing investments that will strengthen the Ghana Armed Forces,” he said.
Minority Raises Concerns Over Spending Priorities
Second Deputy Minority Leader Habib Iddrisu expressed concern over the government’s spending priorities during the debate on the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s budget. He noted that although the ministry requested over GH₵3 billion for 2026, it received less than half of that amount.
He criticised the government for allocating “over GH₵13 billion” toward the procurement of four helicopters and two luxury jets—one long-range and one medium-range—while underfunding the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
“You were very vocal when it came to President Akufo-Addo flying first class,” Mr. Iddrisu told Ablakwa, “but you are silent on the plan to buy these helicopters and jets.”
He called for the aircraft purchases to be cancelled and the funds redirected to support the Foreign Affairs Ministry. He further warned that future accountability would apply, saying “prosperity will catch up with you” in 2029.
