Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has expressed support for strengthening the Ghana Air Force but has criticised the government’s current aircraft procurement plans under its GH₵9 billion, three-year allocation.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Nitiwul said he backs investment in the Air Force but questioned the decision to prioritise two new planes—a long-range executive jet and a short-range jet—over more urgently needed military equipment.
“I don’t have a problem with procuring the jets; the Air Force needs modern aircraft. However, what the government plans to do with the GH₵9 billion over the next three years does not adequately equip the force. I appreciate the resource allocation, but I am not satisfied with the purchases they intend to make. They want to buy two planes: one long-range executive jet and one short-range jet,” he said.
Nitiwul stressed that Ghana requires a more reliable presidential jet, noting that the current one is no longer dependable.
“At this point, we really need an additional presidential jet, as the current one is not reliable. I would prefer that we focus on acquiring a long-range jet and postpone the purchase of the medium-range jet for now; the old jet can serve as a backup,” he added.
He also urged the government to prioritise acquiring fighter jets and helicopter gunships instead of transport helicopters, insisting these would more effectively strengthen Ghana’s defence capabilities.
“I disagree with how the NDC is handling this situation. The focus should be on fighter jets for the military and investing in helicopter gunships rather than transport helicopters,” Nitiwul concluded.
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