Mahama Won’t Be in Office by the Time New Presidential Jet Arrives – Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has revealed that although the Mahama administration has initiated the process to procure a new presidential jet, President John Mahama will not be in office by the time the aircraft is delivered.

Speaking on TV3’s Key Points on Saturday, November 15, Dr. Forson stressed that presidential jet acquisitions typically take several years, meaning the next government—not the current one—will be the ultimate beneficiary.

“The amount of money we spent in the past chartering private jets could have bought a new one,” Dr. Forson said.
“In the coming weeks, we will be presenting those agreements to Parliament for discussions.”

The Finance Minister explained that the procurement documentation is ready and will soon be laid before Parliament for debate and approval.

Four New Military Helicopters to Arrive Within Four Years

Dr. Forson also disclosed that the four new helicopters being procured for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) will take four years to be fully delivered. He noted that while one or two aircraft may arrive earlier, the complete fleet will not be available until the end of the four-year window.

“These helicopters are fitted with modern gadgets. It will take four years to get the entire four,” he said.

The upcoming procurement agreements for both the presidential jet and the military helicopters will be submitted to Parliament for consideration.

Minority Raises Concerns Over Government Priorities

His comments come amid strong criticism from the Minority in Parliament, who accuse the government of sidelining the concerns of unemployed youth.

Former Finance Minister and MP for Karaga, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, argued at a press conference on Friday that the administration has shifted focus from job creation to procurement of aircraft and naval vessels.

“Their priority has shifted to the use of the recent helicopter accident as cover to procure 2 jets, 4 helicopters, and 2 offshore patrol vessels costing US$1.2 billion,” he said.
“Government must explain why purchasing two Executive Jets is a priority at a time it is asking Ghanaian workers to sacrifice more.”

Crash Investigation Team Recommends Major Safety Investments

This debate comes on the heels of a comprehensive report into the August 6, 2025 military helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, including:

• 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
• Sqn. Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Presenting the findings, aircraft investigator Captain Paul Forjoe said the crashed Harbin Z-9EH helicopter met all basic safety requirements but lacked modern safety enhancements.

He recommended urgent investment in:

• aircraft with terrain avoidance and warning systems (TAWS/EGPWS)
• modern navigation systems
• flight simulators for recurrent pilot training
• certified aviation weather services

“Acquire modern aircraft with TAWS/EGPWS and modern navigation systems. Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training,” he urged.

Captain Forjoe also confirmed that the crew involved in the accident had the required qualifications, had flown three flights prior to the crash, and had undergone a full 24-hour rest.

Crash Report Submitted to President; Public Release Scheduled

On Monday, November 10, Dr. Ato Forson led the investigative committee, chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, to present their findings to the President at a National Security Council meeting.

A public media briefing has been scheduled to release the full report and recommendations.