Dennis Miracles Aboagye, spokesperson of former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has criticised the Mahama administration for the decision to purchase a new presidential jet.
He noted that the government has made the move at a time when it has burdened the citizens with an over 28% increase in utilities. He also noted that inflation and exchange rates are down, prices of goods are at an unprecedented high, Cost of living also keeps rising.
Parliament has approved a $60 million agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of a Falcon 6X aircraft for the Ghana Air Force.
In addition, lawmakers endorsed a €125 million agreement with Airbus Helicopters SAS for the supply of one H160 and three H175 helicopters for the Air Force.
The government says the procurements are part of a broader retooling and modernisation programme aimed at addressing the deteriorating condition of the Air Force’s fleet and enhancing operational capacity.
The minority caucus had previously called on the government to explain its decision to purchase the new aircraft, questioning why earlier requests for similar acquisitions were repeatedly rejected.
This follows Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, that the government will begin procurement of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft starting in 2026.
The aircraft are expected to be delivered within four years and will support a range of Air Force operations, including aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, maritime patrols, air defence, disaster response, and medical evacuations. Dr. Forson emphasised that the acquisitions are necessary due to an ageing fleet and high maintenance demands, which currently limit the Air Force’s readiness.
In a Facebook post, Miracles Aboagye said “It’s time for the NDC and its footsoldiers to stop the jokes and take this country seriously. The grace period is over and the future of this country is at stake. You said renting a plane was wrong because the current presidential jet was in pristine condition. You said Buying a plane was wrong because the country was poor.
The country listens to you, trusts and votes massively for you. Then under 11 months, you turn around to buy a more expensive Presidential jet for the President to bath and cook in the air? And you think this is funny? At the time you want to buy this luxurious Presidential jet for the President, you still have the Nurses and teachers you promised automatic postings still at home. You have burdened the citizens with over 28% increase in utilities. Inflation is down and dollar is down and yet Prices of goods are at an
Unprecedented high. Cost of living keeps rising. You have terminated the employment of about 35,000 young Ghanaians as they struggle to survive on daily basis. At this time, that you are buying an Arabian king standard aircraft, Ghana is no more poor? The country is a rich country now? Some of us are not suprised cos we always knew what you were. It’s the Genzs who trusted you and your lies that are learning the hard way.
We knew you would be a disaster based on your consistent history but honestly, it has come too early. Get serious, stop the distraction and focus on the Job, focus on delivering on the specific promises you made to the people. We are saddled with you for the next 3years with no option and we have no choice than to remind you of your sacred promises in the interest of the state. For now, it’s just you and your party folks, making jokes of the serious matters and making excuses using the very thing the people voted against as your hiding hives. Spending $60million to buy a Presidential jet at this time when you spoke against It barely 11months ago is a sin, a crime, disrespectful to the people.
“What happened to honour and Principles! Time is Up, Get to work, the citizens are suffering!”
Source: 3news.com By Laud Nartey
