The Ghana Air Force is maintaining its strategic equipment acquisition plans despite public debates linking a recent helicopter incident to calls for new aircraft, according to Bright Simons, Vice President of IMANI Africa.
His remarks underscored that the Air Force’s resourcing strategy remains distinct from reactionary responses to individual incidents.
Simons explained that the Air Force currently has a firm commitment from government to acquire four additional helicopters from Russia.
The decision is pending between opting for MI-35 models, which would provide new capabilities, or expanding the existing MI-17 fleet already in service. Additionally, there is an agreement to procure several Embraer jets to improve troop transport operations.
“People are doubtful of the maintenance record for good reason. It is not an area Ghana excels at. But we have to bear in mind that the Air Force maintained the Fokker-27s and Fokker-28s so well that some lasted beyond 35 or so years in service.”
Bright Simons
According to Simons, the retirement of the Fokker aircraft was not due to poor upkeep but rather the discontinuation of manufacturing and the resulting scarcity of spare parts. “Other than that, refurbishment would have been the preferred option according to military analysts.”
Maintenance Contracts and Resource Management
Highlighting current arrangements, Bright Simons pointed out that Airbus Casa, the Spanish supplier for utility transport aircraft, is compensated adequately to ensure the C-295 fleet remains in operational condition.
He recalled an incident in the Malian theatre where a Ghanaian aircraft was damaged, and taxpayers covered the repair costs after the United Nations declined to do so.
The IMANI Africa Vice President maintained that there is no solid evidence to warrant immediate changes to military procurement following the recent helicopter incident.
He explained that, based on available information, the Ghana Air Force’s fleet resourcing strategy remains on course, with no current justification for altering its long-term equipment acquisition plans.
He further suggested that any calls for a shift in procurement policy should be grounded in detailed, evidence-based analysis rather than reactionary responses to isolated events.
Ghana Air Force’ s Safety Concerns With Specific Aircraft Models
Bright Simons further noted that while most aspects of the Ghana Air Force’s fleet strategy appear sound, one specific issue stands out and warrants closer examination — the safety history of certain helicopter models.
He pointed out that past incidents have raised questions about the operational reliability of these aircraft, particularly in reference to the Z9 series.
Simons referenced the 2014 crash involving a Dauphin helicopter, highlighting that the Z9s are modeled after the same design.
This, he suggested, makes it essential for aviation authorities and military planners to assess whether existing safety measures and maintenance protocols are adequate to ensure the continued safe operation of such helicopters in Ghana’s air fleet.
“The Z9s are Chinese copies of that same Dauphin model produced under license from the French. I also note similar Z9 crashes experienced by the Malian and Cameroonian airforces.”
Bright Simons
However, he urged caution in making broad assumptions based solely on isolated incidents, stressing the importance of thorough investigation and evidence-based evaluation.
He maintained that only a comprehensive review of operational data, maintenance records, and safety reports can provide a reliable basis for any decisive action.
“Without an extensive analysis of crash incidents across the continent, I am not sure anyone can sensibly call for the Z9s to be retired en masse and new machines procured (for 3 Squadron) from another vendor.”
Bright Simons
Simons’s position suggests that while the Ghana Air Force should remain attentive to safety records and emerging data, its acquisition policies must be guided by long-term strategy and factual analysis, not public pressure or isolated tragedies.
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