GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
Parliament has approved a $60 million agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Dassault Aviation for the purchase of a Falcon 6X aircraft for the Ghana Air Force.
Lawmakers also endorsed a €125 million contract with Airbus Helicopters SAS to supply one H160 and three H175 helicopters. Government says the acquisitions form part of a broader modernisation programme to upgrade the Air Force’s ageing fleet and improve operational efficiency.
The minority earlier demanded clarity on the government’s decision, questioning why similar proposals were rejected in previous years.
The approval follows Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement on November 13 that government will begin procurement of four new helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft starting in 2026. Delivery is expected within four years.
The new aircraft will support operations such as aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, maritime patrols, air defence, disaster response, and medical evacuations. Dr. Forson said the purchases have become necessary due to rising maintenance demands and reduced readiness of the current fleet.
Former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul reiterated the urgency of acquiring a strategic lift capability, insisting the military’s needs have long been neglected. He urged government to justify why earlier proposals were rejected.
