Mr James Agalga, the NDC Member of Parliament for Builsa North, has described the Mahama-led Government’s plan to acquire presidential jets as a futuristic initiative rather than a luxury for the President.
Contributing to the debate on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy of Government on Friday, Mr Agalga explained that the procurement processes for such aircraft would take about four years to complete.
He, therefore, argued that the intention behind the acquisition was not for President John Mahama’s personal comfort but for long-term national benefit.
Mr. Agalga recalled that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration had proposed the purchase of six fighter jets for the Ghana Armed Force, a move which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in opposition supported.
However, he noted that the deal could not be realised due to complications with the loan facility intended to finance the purchase.
The Builsa North legislator urged the NPP Minority Caucus not to blame the current NDC government for pursuing the acquisition, stressing that the plan was in line with national security and strategic needs.
Earlier, Reverend John Ntim Fourdjour, the NPP MP for Assin South, criticised the government’s decision to purchase presidential jets, describing it as a misplaced priority at a time of economic hardship.
The NPP Minority Caucus, earlier this week, accused the government of planning to spend GHS 13.1 billion on the purchase of four helicopters and two presidential jets, a move they said reflected insensitivity to the prevailing economic challenges.
