Parliament approves $60m jet, €125m helicopters in major boost to Ghana Air Force

Christopher Sededzi Kwame 07:44 - 05 December 2025

Parliament has approved a $60 million agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Dassault Aviation for the procurement of a Falcon 6X aircraft for the Ghana Air Force.

Lawmakers also endorsed a separate €125 million agreement with Airbus Helicopters SAS for the acquisition of one H160 and three H175 helicopters, further expanding the Air Force’s operational fleet.

According to government officials, these procurements form part of a broader retooling and modernisation programme designed to address the declining condition of the Air Force’s existing assets and strengthen national security capabilities.

MUST READ: Ghanaians in Qatar to enjoy better salaries, accommodation and medical allowances as Parliament ratifies LMA

The approvals come amid criticism from the minority, who have repeatedly demanded clarity on the rationale behind the new purchases, particularly after similar proposals were dismissed in previous years.

The development follows Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson’s announcement in Parliament on Thursday, November 13, indicating that the government intends to acquire four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft beginning in 2026.

The newly approved aircraft are expected to be delivered within four years and will support a broad spectrum of Air Force operations, including aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, maritime patrols, air defence, disaster response, and medical evacuation missions.

Dr Forson noted that these acquisitions are essential due to the ageing fleet and rising maintenance constraints that continue to impede readiness.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, November 20, former Defence Minister and Bimbilla MP Dominic Nitiwul underscored the urgency of strengthening the country’s strategic airlift capabilities.

Nitiwul said,

I keep saying that if there is anybody in this room who knows the needs of the military, I have served them for eight years. I hold the same position I held last year and for the past eight years: it is not in our interest as a country not to have a strategic lift. We need it

He further challenged the government to explain its earlier stance, adding,

The government should own up. You want to buy two – own up, apologise to the people of Ghana, and convince us why you rejected the purchase for the last five years, and today you want to buy two: one long-range and one medium-sized.

As the procurement process moves forward, the focus will shift to timely delivery, effective deployment, and ensuring that the substantial investments translate into enhanced safety, capability, and resilience for the Ghana Air Force and the nation at large.

Update Me