Dennis Miracles Aboagye, speaking on behalf of former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has publicly denounced the Mahama administration's recent decision to acquire a new presidential jet. This announcement has sparked significant debate, especially as it comes during a period when citizens are grappling with soaring utility costs, reported to have increased by over 28%. Aboagye highlighted the frustrating juxtaposition of government spending against the backdrop of rising inflation and ongoing economic challenges, including persistent high prices for essential goods and an escalating cost of living.
The Ghanaian Parliament approved a substantial $60 million deal with Dassault Aviation for the purchase of a Falcon 6X aircraft, designated for the Ghana Air Force. Additionally, lawmakers have greenlit a separate agreement worth €125 million involving Airbus Helicopters SAS, which includes the supply of one H160 helicopter and three H175 helicopters intended to bolster the Air Force's capabilities. The government has framed these acquisitions as critical components of a comprehensive modernization strategy aimed at revitalizing an ageing air fleet and enhancing operational effectiveness.
The minority party in Parliament has called for clarity on the government's rationale behind the new purchase, especially in light of previous denials of similar requests for aircraft acquisitions. This latest criticism follows Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson's recent announcement on November 13, indicating plans for the procurement of four helicopters, alongside one long-range and one medium-range aircraft, set to commence in 2026.
According to Dr. Forson, the newly acquired aircraft will have a wide array of applications, supporting various operations of the Air Force, including aerial surveillance, logistics and troop transport, maritime patrols, air defense, disaster response, and medical evacuations. He underscored the urgency of these acquisitions due to an ageing fleet that demands high maintenance, which presently constrains the operational readiness of the Air Force.
In a pointed Facebook post, Dennis Miracles Aboagye criticized the ruling party's decision, stressing the incongruity of purchasing such a luxurious aircraft amid ongoing national hardships. "It’s time for the NDC and its supporters to stop the jokes and take this country seriously," Aboagye remarked. "You have burdened citizens with unprecedented utility price hikes, while you prepare to buy an extravagant presidential jet less than a year after criticizing such expenditures."
Aboagye expressed concern that the government previously condemned the renting of aircraft, citing the existing presidential jet's pristine condition. He emphasized the irony in the current administration's willingness to spend significantly on a new jet when many citizens, including nurses and teachers who were promised automatic postings, remain jobless and struggling amidst the economic climate. “At a time when Ghana is facing such economic hardships," he commented, "it seems almost surreal to be purchasing a jet fit for royalty, which raises the question: Is the nation truly in a better financial position now?"
Aboagye pointed out the perceived contradiction in the government's narrative, noting that while the dollar and inflation rates appear to have decreased, everyday goods are still priced at alarming levels, further exacerbating the plight of ordinary Ghanaians. He highlighted the impact of the government’s policies, citing the termination of employment for approximately 35,000 young citizens, contributing to widespread economic distress.
You May Also Like
- Akwatia By-Election: Voter Turnout Rises as Polling Begins
- DADDY LUMBA'S ONE WEEK OBSERVATION MOVED TO BLACK STAR SQUARE
- The Hall Pass Show: A New Era of Student Talent Showcase in Schools
- Ghana Youth Tech Summit 2025 Set to Inspire Future Digital Innovators
- Ghana’s Petroleum Hub to Create 780,000 Jobs – Dr. Tony Aubynn Reveals
His statement concluded with a call to action for the ruling party: “Now is not the time for distractions or frivolous spending. The government must focus on fulfilling the promises made to the electorate. We are bound to this administration for the next three years and it is our responsibility to hold them accountable for their commitments. The expenditure of $60 million on a new presidential jet, particularly when the party spoke against such actions barely a year ago, is not just a misstep; it is an affront to the citizenry.”
In summary, amid ongoing economic challenges, the government's decision to enhance the Air Force's capabilities through significant investments in new aircraft, including a presidential jet, has drawn intense scrutiny and raised questions about priorities in governance. Aboagye's remarks encapsulate the frustrations of many Ghanaians as they seek accountability and effective leadership in truly pressing times.
Post a Comment