Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu has categorically denied claims that the administration is procuring new presidential jets for $1 billion, labelling the assertion a “blatant falsehood.”
The clarification comes amid public debate over a multi-year defence budget. Kwakye Ofosu framed the expenditure as a necessary retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces, which he described as being in a dire state.
“They have only one functional aircraft as I speak to you… All helicopters are currently grounded,” he revealed on Joy Prime in an interview as monitored by MyNewsGh, referencing a recent tragic crash. “Security is perhaps the number one function of any government.”
He broke down the 2026 allocation, estimating it at roughly $300 million for a package that includes four helicopters, two aircraft, naval vessels, and armoured personnel carriers.
“The claim… that we are spending $1 billion to buy presidential jets is patently false,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
While confirming the two requested aircraft would be available for executive travel, he stressed they are military assets. “It is a general retooling. It will have aircraft for executive use, which is necessary because the president has to travel.”
He argued that acquiring the aircraft is more cost-effective than the current practice of rentals, which he said can cost “$3 million” for a single week-long trip.
