Security Analyst Richard Kumadoe has expressed his support for the government’s decision to purchase aircraft, as was announced by the finance minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.
Mr. Kumadoe emphasized that the decision to purchase modernized aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces is long overdue.
He stated that the Z9 helicopter report recommendations highlighted the urgency of the issue, emphasizing that the government’s decision is in the right direction.
“If you look at the Z9 report, the recommendations in particular, the very first one stated that we need to modernize our Ghana armed forces, particularly the Air Force, which has been providing transportation visits to high-profile personalities across the length and breadth of this country.”
Richard Kumadoe, Security Analyst
The Z9 report is the report compiled by the committee the president tasked to investigate the issues that occasioned the helicopter crash on August 6, 2025, where 8 individuals lost their lives.
Mr. Kumadoe noted that the report highlighted some inadequacies of the aircraft that make it not up to modern standards.
He further emphasized that with such inadequacies, it is only right that the government purchase new aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces and executive jets for the transportation of VIPs in the country.
He also recounted that when the deputy minister for defense was before parliament recently, he talked about the presidential jet being away for repairs.
He noted that the deputy minister talked about repairs on some corroded parts of the jet, emphasizing that it is because the jet is too old; that is why it has often been taken for “corrosion maintenance,” even in the previous regime.
“I think it’s long overdue. So, any attempts and any efforts in providing them with the modernized aircraft is the right thing to do, and we thank the government for doing that.
“If we get two additional jets—I don’t know how many they want to purchase, but two additional jets for the purposes of the president and the VIPs in this country—I think that’s the good thing to do.”
Richard Kumadoe, Security Analyst
Mr. Kumadoe noted that the four-year period the government has earmarked for the procurement of the aircrafts is too long.
He emphasized that if four aircraft are being bought, two can come by the end of next year, and the other two by the end of the following year.
“So, if he [the finance minister] says four years, we are begging him; he should split it, make it two years, and let the two come in 2026, and let the other two come in January 2028.”
Richard Kumadoe, Security Analyst
He further emphasized that once this is done, it will beef up the gaps that have been created in the resourcing or retooling of the Ghana Armed Forces.
He noted that this might come with some financial constraints, as the upgraded and modernized ones definitely will be expensive.
However, he emphasized that just as the finance minister has said, “Our problem in this country is not that we can’t do certain things, but that we have to block the wastage.”
“Once the waste is blocked, and financial malfeasance can be cut, and people are held accountable, and our monies are retrieved, I think we are going to make additional money to be able to purchase some of this equipment that is so necessary, so critical, and so essential for the maintenance of the management of the national infrastructure in this country.”
Richard Kumadoe, Security Analyst
Addressing the opponent of the decision by the government, Mr. Kumadoe explained that probably, some education and awareness creation will help them to understand the urgency of the decision.
“Our president travels more than the American president, our vice president is always on the road, and they are the highest in terms of governance, policies, and democracy in this country.
“Their safety and their security are paramount; it’s also one of the major things you have to do if you want to secure your democracy and make sure your governance has consistency.”
Richard Kumadoe, Security Analyst
He thereby emphasized the importance of national security, highlighting its role as that which manages and controls the country.
“If you want your country to develop, then you have to start developing your national security infrastructure, which has been left open and rotten for many years.” He further emphasized.
Mr. Kumadoe noted that developing national security will mean that you equip all the security services with the needed tools, not just the armed forces.
He commended the government’s decision to supply the Ghana National Fire Service with a hundred fire tenders and other equipment.
However, he emphasized the need for a modernized, well-built crime scene and forensic examination center for the Ghana Police Service.
He also highlighted the need for a cybersecurity and related assessment center at the Bureau National Intelligence (BNI).
“As much as we are retooling the military, all the security agencies need help.” He stated.
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