The Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that it will take four years for the four helicopters that are being procured for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to arrive in the country.
He made the point that probably one or two may arrive before the four-year period, but all four should be in within the next four years.
“These helicopters are fitted with modern gadgets. It will take four years to get the entire four. Probably, they may get one or two before four years, but the entire four will arrive by four years,” he said on the Key Points on TV3 Saturday, November 15.
He further announced that the agreement will be sent to parliament for approval.
“In the coming weeks, we will be presenting those agreements to parliament for discussions,” he said.
His comments come at a time when the Minority in Parliament accused the Mahama government of neglecting the youth who are in search of jobs, focusing instead on other areas such as procurement or the helicopters.
Member of Parliament for Karaga and Former Finance Minister, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, said that the youth are no longer a matter of concern to this government.
“They have forgotten about you after getting power from you,” he said at a press conference in Accra on Friday, responding to the 2026 budget statement presented to Parliament by the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, on Thursday, November 13.
He added, “That is why their priority has shifted to the use of the recent helicopter accident involving some of our gallant citizens as cover to procure 2 jets, 4 helicopters, and 2 offshore patrol vessels. This is going to cost our country US$1.2 billion. Government must come clear why the purchase of 2 Executive Jets is a priority at the time it is asking Ghanaian workers to sacrifice more.”
This also comes a time when the team that investigated the helicopter crash has recommended that the Air Force invest heavily in simulations.
Captain Paul Forjoe, an expert in aircraft investigations, said at a press conference to announce details of the investigative report on Tuesday, November 11, that “Acquire modern aircraft with TAWS/EGPWS and modern navigation systems. Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training, contract certified aviation weather provider.”
Captain Forjoe further stated that the helicopter that was involved in the fatal crash met all basic safety requirements.
Addressing a press conference to announce the details of the investigative report in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, he said, “We also assessed the aircraft to see if it was for the purpose, he added. It met all the basic safety requirements,…the helicopter was in good condition and met all safety requirements.”
Captain Forjoe further stated that the crew who were involved in the Helicopter crash had flown three flights prior to their accident.
“The last 3 flights before the accident were conducted by the same crew,” he stressed.
On Monday, November 10,Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, led the Committee that investigated the August 6 helicopter crash to present their report and findings to the President.
The tragedy involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed from Accra around 9:12 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region on an anti-illegal-mining mission before losing radar contact and crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight persons on board lost their lives in the crash. The victims included:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology
- Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chair of the NDC
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The final report, compiled after weeks of technical analysis and consultations, was chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak. It incorporated input from the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation experts.
According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, the upcoming media briefing will share key findings and recommendations aimed at preventing future aviation disasters, particularly in the context of military and government operations.
The August 6 crash remains one of Ghana’s most devastating air tragedies, prompting nationwide mourning and calls for a comprehensive safety review within the armed forces’ air operations.
