Damongo Member of Parliament Samuel Abu Jinapor has taken strong issue with the government’s plan to purchase four helicopters and two presidential jets at a total cost of GH¢13.1 billion, describing the move as a misplaced priority at a time when many public sector workers are allegedly going unpaid.
Contributing to the parliamentary debate on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy, Mr. Jinapor said the acquisition plan which appears under the government’s proposed expenditure for the coming year runs counter to the urgent economic needs of ordinary Ghanaians and contradicts campaign promises to reduce the cost of living and create jobs.
According to him, the decision signals a worrying shift in the government’s priorities. “How can the government justify buying helicopters and presidential jets when nurses, teachers and other public workers are struggling to receive their salaries?” he asked.
He argued that the GH¢13.1 billion expenditure sends the wrong message at a time when traders, farmers, and households across the country are grappling with severe economic challenges.
“Is this the priority of the government when traders are suffering, farmers are suffering, nurses are suffering, teachers are suffering?” he pressed.
Mr. Jinapor further criticised the government for failing to recruit additional workers to support the promised three-shift arrangement under its proposed 24-hour economy policy. Instead, he said, the administration was struggling to pay those currently employed.
“Nurses are working without being paid. Teachers are working without being paid. So when will the government employ the other two people to do the job one unpaid person is already doing?” he quizzed.
The Damongo MP maintained that the government must realign its spending to reflect the immediate needs of citizens, particularly those in critical sectors who continue to face delays in salary payments and resource constraints.
He urged the administration to reassess its priorities to ensure that public funds are directed toward policies and programmes that directly improve the lives of Ghanaians.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
