The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has criticised the government’s decision to allocate GH¢13.1 billion for the acquisition of four helicopters and two presidential jets, arguing that the plan does not match the country’s present needs. The expenditure was captured in the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, but he believes the allocation reflects misplaced priorities.
During the parliamentary debate on the budget, he contended that the administration has strayed from its core pledges to ease the cost of living and expand employment opportunities. Instead, he argued, resources are being directed toward expensive purchases that do little to address the daily struggles facing ordinary citizens.
Jinapor highlighted reports of nurses, teachers and other public sector workers experiencing delays in salary payments, questioning how the government could justify major aircraft acquisitions while essential workers face such conditions. He stressed that the decision sends the wrong message, especially at a time when many households are dealing with financial strain and critical sectors remain underfunded.
He also pointed to the proposed 24-hour economy initiative, which he said requires the recruitment of additional staff. According to him, this objective cannot be met when the government is struggling to pay those already on the payroll. He argued that public servants working without salaries should be at the centre of national concern, not high-value aircraft purchases that offer limited immediate benefit to the broader population.
