Gov’t Has Betrayed Its Own Principles — Miracles Aboagye on New $60m Presidential Jet

Dennis Miracles Aboagye, spokesperson for former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has sharply criticised the Mahama administration over its decision to purchase a new presidential jet, describing the move as disrespectful and hypocritical.

His comments follow Parliament’s approval of a $60 million agreement between the Ministry of Defence and Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of a Falcon 6X aircraft for the Ghana Air Force. Parliament also approved a €125 million deal with Airbus Helicopters SAS to supply one H160 and three H175 helicopters.

The government has defended the procurement, saying it forms part of a broader plan to modernise the Air Force’s ageing fleet and enhance national security and operational readiness.

However, Aboagye argued that the decision contradicts the administration’s earlier stance against acquiring a new presidential jet. He pointed out that the government has taken this step at a time when Ghanaians are facing severe economic pressures—including a 28% increase in utility tariffs, persistent high prices of goods, rising cost of living, and ongoing unemployment among nurses, teachers, and thousands of young people.

In a Facebook post, he said the administration had previously condemned aircraft rentals and purchases, insisting Ghana was too poor for such expenditure. Aboagye questioned why, less than a year later, the same government was now buying what he described as a “luxurious” aircraft.

He argued that the move shows a lack of principles and insensitivity to the hardships facing citizens, especially when earlier promises—such as automatic postings for nurses and teachers—remain unfulfilled.

Aboagye added that the purchases come at a time when inflation and the exchange rate are improving, yet the cost of living continues to worsen. He accused the government of failing young Ghanaians who trusted its campaign promises.

He concluded by urging the administration to focus on its commitments rather than what he called distractions, warning that the government must prioritise the needs of the people over luxury spending.