A new wave of criticism has emerged in the political landscape following revelations that the government is seeking to procure two executive jets, fou
A new wave of criticism has emerged in the political landscape following revelations that the government is seeking to procure two executive jets, four military helicopters, and two offshore patrol vessels at a combined cost of US$1.2 billion.
The Minority in Parliament is demanding a full justification for what they describe as an extravagant and poorly timed expenditure, especially at a moment when the state is urging public-sector workers and ordinary citizens to “tighten their belts” in the face of economic strain.
The planned acquisitions form part of a broader defence and security modernisation proposal quietly introduced in government policy documents earlier this year.
According to officials familiar with the plan, the two presidential jets are intended to replace aging aircraft currently used by the presidency—machines that have suffered frequent mechanical challenges and drawn criticism over safety and reliability concerns.
However, opponents argue that the timing and scale of the purchase show a stark disconnect between government priorities and the realities facing Ghanaians.
Over the past two years, Ghana has grappled with a severe economic downturn characterised by high inflation, elevated debt servicing burdens, and repeated calls from authorities for wage restraint, cost containment, and sacrifice to support fiscal recovery.
It is against this backdrop that labour unions, civil society groups, and the Minority find the US$1.2 billion proposal particularly troubling.
They say the government has not demonstrated why two brand-new executive jets—associated with high-end luxury travel—are necessary, nor have they explained why such purchases should take precedence over urgent domestic needs such as healthcare funding, school infrastructure, and delayed salary negotiations.
The Minority also questions the inclusion of four helicopters and two offshore patrol vessels, noting that while the security services indeed require modern equipment, the government has provided no clear procurement plan, value-for-money analysis, or transparency in the tendering process.
They warn that the expenditure risks deepening public mistrust at a time when the country is operating under tightened IMF oversight and strict fiscal conditions.
Demands for accountability intensified after labour groups juxtaposed the planned luxury aircraft purchase against recent government appeals for workers to accept wage freezes, reduced allowances, and higher taxes.
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