A member of Parliaments Defence and Interior Committee, Henry Ernest Norgbey, has raised concerns about the condition and quality of aircrafts belonging to the Ghana Police Service, calling them flying coffins.
According to him, three helicopters purchased by the security agency through a loan approved by the committee are not conducive for full operational use, describing them as unfit for purpose.
Speaking on JoyNews on August 11, 2025, the lawmaker said the helicopters were manufactured in 1976, adding that such old aircraft could pose risks if such issues are not addressed.
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We also approved a loan for the police service and it was used to purchase three aircraft from South Africa. The aircrafts were made in 1976. The 1976 helicopters that were delivered, as we speak now, they cannot be used, he said.
Norgbey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, added that due to the condition of the helicopters, they have been left idle in the hangar since their purchase.
They were not fit for purpose. A 1976 made aircraft is a flying coffin. They are not fit for purpose. So, we cannot use them. You can call the police, you can call any expert and ask them. As a member of the committee, I have this further information that the three helicopters that were delivered with those fun fairs were 1976, made aircraft. How many years now? That is about 49 years old aircraft. They cannot do anything. That is why they are still on the hanger, he added.
His comments come in the wake of a fatal helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including high-ranking government officials and members of the Ghana Armed Forces who were on official duty.
The incident has sparked conversations about the state of aircraft and helicopters provided to the countrys security agencies.
MAG/VPO
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