MINORITY BACKLASH GOVERNMENT OVER PLAN TO PROCURE $1.2B AIRCRAFT

The Minority in Ghana's Parliament has raised concerns over the government's plan to spend an estimated GH¢13.15 billion approximately US$1.2 billion over four years on retooling the Air Force, specifically for the acquisition of new aircraft. 

Speaking to journalists in parliament on behalf of the minority at a  press conference, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor further questioned why government has budgeted to procure six new aircrafts for the Ghana Armed Forces at a time when the labour front is faced with challenges. 

According to the  Damongo lawmaker, an amount of GH¢13 billion has been programmed to 'retool' the Ministry of Defence over the 4-year period of the Mahama administration. 
He first made this comment on the floor of Parliament during ongoing debate of the 2026 Budget presented by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson last Thursday. 

His comment generated a heated debate with the majority leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga calling on Hon. Jinapor to correct the record as the amount allocated in the budget to Defence Ministry for capital expenditure stands at GH¢3,332,000,000 with GH¢2,532,000,000 allocated for Airforce retooling.

The Minority further argues that the existing aircraft can be used by various officials, including the Speaker of Parliament, and that previous retooling efforts were politicized by the current majority when they were in opposition.