Nitiwul Praises Military Funding in 2026 Budget, Raises Concerns Over Air Force Acquisitions

Former Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul has expressed his approval of the funding allocated to Ghana's military in the 2026 national budget, but has raised concerns about the adequacy of the proposed Air Force acquisitions in meeting the country’s defense needs.

Speaking to the press, Nitiwul commended the allocation, stating, “I am pleased that the budget has provided resources for the military, and it’s encouraging that the Air Force will receive some funding. This is a positive development."

However, he expressed reservations about the nature of the planned purchases. “What they intend to acquire is what concerns me. The budget mentions buying planes, but for defense purposes, the Air Force specifically requires jet fighters. In military parlance, ‘jet’ refers to a combat-ready fighter jet, not just any type of aircraft,” he clarified.

Nitiwul stressed that jet fighters are essential for safeguarding the country’s airspace and ensuring national security, cautioning that acquiring standard aircraft would not be sufficient to bolster the Air Force’s operational effectiveness.

The 2026 military budget for Ghana is estimated at GH¢10.7 billion, marking a substantial increase in defense spending. This funding will be used to modernize the Ghana Armed Forces, including the procurement of new aircraft for the Ghana Air Force. The budget will also cover personnel compensation, military rations, and infrastructure projects, such as the construction of forward operating bases.

A few weeks ago, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson outlined plans for the procurement of four modern helicopters, along with a long-range aircraft and a medium-range aircraft, to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Air Force. The procurement process is expected to begin in 2026, with delivery of the aircraft anticipated within four years. Dr. Forson emphasized that this is part of the government’s broader initiative to retool the country’s security forces and strengthen national defense capabilities.

During his budget presentation on November 13, Dr. Forson highlighted the importance of the Ghana Air Force, noting that it remains a critical component of the nation’s defense strategy. He cited the Air Force’s roles in aerial surveillance, troop and logistics transport, air defense, maritime patrols, disaster response, and medical evacuations.

Source: MyNewsGh.com