Ashaiman MP defends government’s GHS13.1bn aircraft allocation

Ernest Henry Norgbey, a member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has rejected claims by Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor that the government’s GHS13.1 billion allocation for four aircraft and two presidential jets represents misplaced priorities.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Thursday, November 20, Norgbey argued that the country’s current economic conditions provide enough fiscal room to adequately retool the nation’s security agencies. He maintained that the planned aircraft procurement is both necessary and justified.

“The economy, as we speak now, we have everything at stake to make sure all the agencies that were lagging in the previous administration for the past eight years are retooled. We have the know-how and the resources to ensure that these agencies receive what they need,” he stated.

Norgbey, who also represents the Ashaiman constituency, explained that strengthening and modernising the security services is a national priority that should rise above partisan debate.

“We all understand that the security services must be retooled. I don’t see the hullabaloo about dedicating funds to strengthen them. The economy today is better than it was under the past NPP regime. It may not be 100%, but it is significantly better,” he added.

He dismissed criticisms of the aircraft acquisition as “mere political rhetoric,” insisting the government is not acting irresponsibly.