The Bimbilla MP, Dominic Nitiwul, is demanding answers from government over its decision to acquire two new aircraft for the Ghana Air Force after years of rejecting similar proposals.
His challenge follows Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement on Thursday, November 13, that government will begin the procurement of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft from 2026.
The acquisitions, expected to be delivered within four years, are part of efforts to boost the Air Force’s operational readiness.
Dr. Forson justified the move by pointing to the ageing fleet and the high maintenance burden that continues to limit efficiency.
He said the new aircraft will enhance aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, maritime patrols, air defence, disaster response, and medical evacuations.
But addressing Parliament on Thursday, November 20, the former Defence Minister said the government must explain why it rejected earlier calls for strategic lift capabilities, only to approve the procurement now.
Nitiwul insisted that delaying such purchases has never served Ghana’s national security interests.
“I keep saying that if there is anybody in this room who knows the needs of the military, I have served them for eight years. I hold the same position I held last year and for the past eight years: it is not in our interest as a country not to have a strategic lift. We need it.”
He urged the government to take responsibility for its past decisions.
“The government should own up. You want to buy two – own up, apologise to the people of Ghana, and convince us why you rejected the purchase for the last five years, and today you want to buy two: one long-range and one medium-size,” Nitiwul stated.