GH¢13.1bn Better Spent on Nurses and Teachers than Presidential Jets – Ex-PMMC MD

Nana Akwasi Awuah, former Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), has criticized the government’s plan to spend GH¢13.1 billion on new aircraft, saying the money would be better used to meet the ongoing demands of nurses, teachers, and doctors for improved working conditions.

He questioned the decision to prioritize four helicopters and two presidential jets while public sector workers continue to protest for better treatment, describing it as a troubling reflection of government spending priorities.

Speaking on Channel One TV’s Big Issue on Saturday, November 22, Awuah called on the government to focus on the welfare of health and education workers, highlighting their importance to national development.

“Spending GH¢13.1 billion on aircraft could instead address the concerns of nurses, teachers, and doctors who are frequently on strike or appealing for better conditions. Investing in them is more beneficial than acquiring jets for the comfort of the president,” he said.

His remarks align with concerns in Parliament, where Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor criticized the allocation in the 2026 Budget debate. Jinapor described the spending as “misplaced,” noting that many public sector workers are still unpaid, and argued it contradicts promises to reduce living costs and create jobs.