Ghana’s Parliament has approved contracts for the purchase of four helicopters and one presidential jet for the Ghana Air Force (GAF). The deals, worth €125.97 million and $60.68 million, are with Airbus Helicopter (SAS) and Dassault Aviation, both from France.
The helicopters include one H160 and three H175 models, while the presidential jet is a Falcon 6X. The government will finance the purchases over four years, with payments starting in December 2025.
The Chairman of the Committee on Defence and Interior, James Agalga, stated that the acquisition is necessary to modernize the GAF’s aging fleet, which has become financially unsustainable and operationally inefficient. The new aircraft are expected to reduce maintenance costs by 30-40% over 15 years.
The Minority in Parliament supports the retooling efforts, citing the need to enhance the GAF’s air capabilities. The government plans to allocate adequate funding for pilot training, maintenance, and infrastructure to ensure optimal performance.
