Finance Minister Reveals Four-Year Timeline for New GAF Helicopters Amid Procurement Backlash
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed that the delivery of four advanced helicopters procured for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will span a four-year period, with initial units possibly arriving sooner to address urgent operational needs.
The announcement, made during a live interview on Saturday, November 15, 2025, comes amid sharp criticism from the opposition, who accuse the Mahama administration of prioritizing lavish military acquisitions over youth employment initiatives.
Dr. Ato Forson emphasized the strategic importance of the helicopters, equipped with cutting-edge navigation and terrain avoidance systems, in enhancing the GAF’s capabilities, particularly following the tragic August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including two cabinet ministers.
“These helicopters fitted with modern gadgets will take four years to get the entire four. Probably, they may get one or two before four years, but the entire four will arrive by four years,” he stated, outlining a phased rollout to minimize disruptions.
The minister further revealed that the procurement agreements—part of a broader $1.2 billion package including two executive jets and two offshore patrol vessels—will be tabled before Parliament in the coming weeks for rigorous scrutiny and approval.
“In the coming weeks, we will be presenting those agreements to parliament for discussions,” he assured, framing the investment as a direct response to safety lapses highlighted in a recent investigative report on the fatal crash.
The report, chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak and presented to President John Dramani Mahama on November 10, 2025, during a National Security Council meeting, pinpointed the lack of advanced safety features as a contributing factor to the Harbin Z-9EH helicopter’s plunge in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
Aviation expert Captain Paul Forjoe, speaking at a press briefing on November 11, underscored the need for immediate upgrades: “Acquire modern aircraft with TAWS/EGPWS and modern navigation systems. Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training, contract certified aviation weather provider.”
Notably, the ill-fated aircraft met basic safety standards and was in good condition, with the crew—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—having logged three prior flights on the same day after a 24-hour rest period. Their qualifications and medical records were deemed satisfactory, yet the absence of enhanced systems like terrain avoidance warning systems (TAWS) proved fatal during the anti-illegal-mining mission from Accra to Obuasi.
The victims included high-profile figures such as Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye—prompting nationwide mourning and demands for accountability.
However, the procurement push has drawn fierce rebuke from the Minority in Parliament. Karaga MP and former Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, addressing a press conference on November 14, lambasted the government for “forgetting about” job-seeking youth post-election. “They have forgotten about you after getting power from you,” he charged, spotlighting the $1.2 billion outlay as a misaligned priority amid calls for worker sacrifices. “Government must come clear why the purchase of 2 Executive Jets is a priority at the time it is asking Ghanaian workers to sacrifice more.”
Dr. Ato Forson’s dual role as acting Defence Minister has intensified the debate, with critics questioning the timing just days after the 2026 Budget presentation on November 13, which allocated resources for economic recovery but faced accusations of neglecting unemployment. The minister countered by highlighting the helicopters’ role in bolstering national security and disaster response, aligning with the budget’s emphasis on institutional strengthening.
As Parliament gears up for deliberations, stakeholders await details on vendor contracts, maintenance plans, and integration with existing GAF fleets. The four-year horizon underscores the complexities of global arms supply chains, but for families still reeling from the August tragedy, it represents a hard-won step toward preventing history from repeating itself. The full investigative report’s public release on November 11 has fueled calls for transparent implementation, ensuring these acquisitions translate into tangible safety gains rather than political optics.
