Former Ashanti Regional NDC administrator, Wallas Ababio, has stressed the urgent need for Ghana to acquire a new presidential jet, following the recent helicopter crash that claimed lives and raised concerns about air safety.
Speaking in an interview with Yaw Obeng Prekp on Asona FM, as monitored by MyNewsGh, he said the current presidential jet is no longer reliable.
“It is time to acquire a new presidential jet for the presidency,” Ababio declared, adding that the issue has become unavoidable after the crash.
He explained that the existing jet had been left grounded abroad due to its deteriorating condition. “The jet has been inactive in South Korea and France for the last six months. It should be scrapped, and the funds added to additional money to purchase a new one,” he said.
Ababio was clear that the discussion must rise above partisan arguments. “This matter should not be entangled in political debates. The jet is not for one government or one political party. It will serve successive presidents, so it should be seen as a national asset,” he emphasized.
He referenced Ghana Gas to illustrate his point, saying the company itself operates an aircraft for surveillance purposes.
To him, this showed how vital aircraft are to national operations. “If they do not prioritize replacing an old or damaged aircraft, more tragedies could occur. The loss of an aircraft is nothing compared to the potential loss of lives or the repercussions that would ensue,” he warned.
Tying his comments back to the human cost of air safety lapses, Ababio reflected on the impact of the recent crash.
“The tragedy has left the family of the deceased in a state of emotional, physical, and financial distress,” he said, urging leaders to act decisively to prevent similar incidents in the future.
