GABORONE, Botswana – Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama says his government has set aside $300 million for the purchase of new combat, trainer and transport aircraft to support United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Speaking at the opening of the Ghanaian Air Force's new aircraft maintenance hangar and logistics warehouse at the Air Force Burma Camp in Accra, Mahama said the Air Force will get new Super Tucano light attack/trainer aircraft from Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, one CASA 295 heavy-lift transport aircraft from Airbus Military in Spain, Mi-17, Mi-35 attack and transport helicopters from Russia, and Harbin Z-9 helicopters from China.
He said the new aircraft will be used to secure the country and support UN peacekeeping operations in several nations.
"We must sustain the atmosphere of peace and security needed for the development of all sectors of the country. To do that, we must continue to invest in the latest equipment not only for the Air Force, but for all the security agencies," he added.
Mahama said the aircraft are due for delivery by the end of 2015. The new aircraft hangar, which has fire fighting facilities, ambulance service, and servicing and maintenance facilities, was financed by the Brazilian National Bank of Social and Economic Development. The hangar is equipped with a bus, a fire combat vehicle, an ambulance, a refueling truck, a self-supporting water supply system and power generators.
The hangar is the Air Force's third aircraft storage and maintenance facility. The others are located in the cities of Tamali and Takoradi.
Mahama said the commissioning of the new hangar marks a new era in Brazilian-Ghanaian relations as the South American country continues to bankroll the economic and security needs of the West African nation.
Air Vice Marshal Michael Samson Oje, Air Force chief of Air Staff, said the hangar would serve the maintenance and safety needs of all aircraft and improve transport expertise and technology.
"We in the Air Force are not oblivious of the fact that these aircraft maintenance hangars are national assets borne out of the sweat of the taxpayer. We promise to maintain and take good care of these vital assets. We also promise to use them judiciously to perform our tasks efficiently to the benefit of our beloved nation," he added.
The Ghanaian armed forces is engaged in UN peacekeeping operations in Mali, Ivory Coast, South Sudan and Lebanon.
Brazil is also funding establishment of the Ghanaian Flight Training School, several road projects and the construction of an international airport in the central city of Tamale. ■
Email: onkala@defensenews.com.
