Parliament approved a US$60.68 million contract for a Dassault Falcon 6X jet and a €125.97 million deal for one H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus, totaling about €178 million for five aircraft.
The Falcon 6X will handle troop transport, VVIP flights, surveillance, patrols, air defense, disaster response, and medical evacuations with its 5,500-nautical-mile range. Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson stressed replacing ageing aircraft to improve readiness, while former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul supported the move but called for an apology over past rejections. Critics question the spending amid economic pressures and needs like roads and healthcare.
This move aims to modernize the aging GAF fleet, enhance national security, and address operational inefficiencies following a tragic helicopter crash earlier in the year. The approvals were presented by Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi on December 3 and fast-tracked by the Defence and Interior Committee.Key Details of the Approvals
- Falcon 6X Jet:
- Supplier: Dassault Aviation (France).
- Cost: $60.68 million (fully financed by the government).
- Purpose: Long-range strategic lift for troop/logistics transport and VVIP (very important persons) movements, including presidential travel. It replaces the grounded 15-year-old Falcon 900EX, which has been out of service in France for repairs.
- Status: Immediate acquisition; delivery expected to bolster aerial capabilities.
- Helicopters:
- Supplier: Airbus Helicopters SAS (France).
- Cost: €125.97 million (about $132 million), payable in installments starting December 2025 (€62.5 million initial payment), followed by payments in May 2026, March 2027, and December 2028.
- Fleet Breakdown:
- 1 × H160 (medium utility helicopter for multi-role operations).
- 3 × H175 (heavy-lift helicopters for transport and search-and-rescue).
- Purpose: Upgrade the rotor-wing fleet, replacing outdated Mi-17 models that have become costly to maintain.
These acquisitions form part of a broader 2026 retooling program announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on November 13, 2025, which includes one long-range aircraft, one medium-range aircraft, and four modern helicopters.Background and RationaleThe decision stems from recommendations by an investigative committee following a fatal helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, in Adansi Akrofuom district, which killed eight people, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
The report highlighted the GAF’s deteriorating fleet as a safety risk and urged immediate modernization to prevent future accidents. Officials noted that chartering private jets and maintaining old aircraft has become “financially unsustainable and operationally inefficient.”Political Reactions
Government (NDC Majority): Praised as a “prudent investment” under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration to strengthen armed forces. Deputy Minister Genfi emphasized the need for urgent upgrades.
Opposition (NPP Minority): Supported the deals patriotically but raised concerns about timing and past rejections. MP John Ntim Fordjour criticized previous NDC opposition to similar procurements, calling for an end to “politics” and highlighting the “need of yesterday.” Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul admitted the upgrades are “long overdue.”
| Aspect | Falcon 6X Jet | Helicopters (H160 + 3× H175) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $60.68M | €125.97M (~$132M) |
| Financing | Full government payment | 4-year installments |
| Primary Role | VVIP/strategic transport | Multi-role utility/heavy lift |
| Supplier | Dassault Aviation | Airbus Helicopters |
| Delivery Timeline | 2026 onward | Starting 2026 |
This procurement has sparked some public debate on costs amid economic pressures, but it enjoys cross-party backing for improving Ghana’s defense readiness. No major controversies have emerged beyond historical political jabs.
