The Minority in Parliament has raised priority concerns over the government’s decision to allocate GH¢13.15 billion (approximately US$1.2 billion) over four years for the acquisition of two presidential jets and four helicopters.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Damongo MP and former Lands Minister, Samuel Abu Jinapor, questioned the rationale behind the massive expenditure, which forms part of the 2026–2029 budget provisions for retooling the Ghana Air Force.
He revealed that the 2026 Budget Statement presented by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson provides GH¢2.68 billion in 2026, GH¢3.54 billion in 2027, GH¢3.33 billion in 2028, and GH¢3.59 billion in 2029 for the aircraft procurement.
Mr Jinapor argued that the country cannot justify such lavish spending on presidential aircraft while critical sectors remain starved of funds, pointing out that nurses are still awaiting recruitment, teachers are chasing long-overdue arrears, farmers are suffering as rice rots in warehouses and maize goes unbought, workers have received only a paltry 9% salary increase, and liquidity remains extremely scarce.
The Minority spokesperson demanded full transparency and accountability, asking Ghanaians to judge whether prioritising presidential jets and helicopters over pressing human needs reflects prudent governance.
“Is this the best use of Ghana’s scarce resources? Is it right to spend $1.2 billion on luxury aircraft when hospitals lack basic equipment and classrooms are overcrowded?” he asked.
Despite the Minority’s concerns, the Majority in Parliament have defended the allocation, insisting that it is critical for the purpose of retooling the nation’s security agencies.