Parliament Reviews Contracts for Four Helicopters and Presidential Jet Worth Over €186 Million
The government has laid before Parliament two major contract agreements for the Ghana Air Force (GAF): one for four helicopters valued at €125.97 million and another for a presidential jet at $60.68 million.
The agreements were presented by Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, and referred by Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako to the Joint Committee on Defence and Interior and the Finance Committee for scrutiny and reporting.
Breakdown of the Deals
Helicopter Contract
Supplier: Airbus Helicopter (SAS), France
Aircraft: 1 × H160 + 3 × H175
Cost: €125.97 million
Purpose: Strengthening GAF operational capacity
Presidential Jet Contract
Supplier: Dassault Aviation, France
Aircraft: 1 × Falcon 6X
Cost: $60.68 million
Purpose: Long-range VIP transport
Ablakwa Defends Prudent Spending
During debate on the GH₵1.70 billion budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa defended the acquisitions, contrasting them with past practices under former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
“President Mahama is currently flying commercial flights for all international trips,” Ablakwa said.
“The expenditure item I met at Finance for Akufo-Addo’s charter jets could have bought us a brand new jet.”
He added:
“If President Mahama ever attempts to charter ultra-luxury jets like his predecessor, you will hear my voice.”
Ablakwa praised the current approach as a “prudent investment” in national assets that will serve the military long-term.
Minority Pushes Back
Second Deputy Minority Leader Habib Iddrisu criticized the allocation imbalance, noting that:
Foreign Affairs requested over GH₵3 billion but received less than 50%
Meanwhile, over GH₵13 billion is earmarked for aircraft procurement
“Cancel the money for the four helicopters and two luxury jets and give it to the Foreign Affairs Minister,” Iddrisu urged.
He accused Ablakwa of silence on the purchases despite past vocal opposition to presidential travel costs:
“You were loud when the President flew first class, but now you say nothing.”
Iddrisu warned Ablakwa that “prosperity will catch up with him in 2029” if he fails to uphold fiscal discipline.
Context: Fleet Modernization
The acquisitions are part of a broader review of Ghana’s presidential and military aviation fleet, initiated after reliability concerns with aging aircraft. The current presidential jet underwent an eight-month overhaul in France and returned in November 2025.
Defence officials argue the new assets prioritize safety, reliability, and dual-use capability for both VIP transport and military operations.
The committees are expected to report back before final parliamentary approval.
