Governance expert urges prompt reconfiguration of Ghana Armed Forces fleet

Governance Analyst Prof. Baffuor Agyemang-Dua has urgently advocated for the retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces to boost its operational efficiency following the Sikaman Brofoyedru helicopter crash. He noted that this incident highlights the need to address the aging fleet and logistical challenges faced by the Armed Forces, particularly the Air Force. His comments were made during GBC’s current affairs program, Talking Point, which discussed the tragic event that resulted in the loss of eight Ghanaians on national duty. Prof. Agyemang-Dua stressed that the retooling effort should focus not only on acquiring modern aircraft but also on improving maintenance practices and investing in advanced training. "In emergencies, deploying personnel via helicopter is more efficient for rapid response, among other examples. However, the responsible state institution has not been adequately equipped." He added, "Before Dr. Omane Boamah passed away about two months ago, he publicly declared that the presidential plane is unfit for its intended purpose, which is why it has been grounded. How many helicopters are available for the Air Force? I cannot disclose that as it would pose a national security concern." He expressed hope that investigations into the incident would uncover the cause of the accident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.