The Member of Parliament (MP) for the Klottey Korle constituency, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has raised concern about government agencies using the resources of the Ghana Armed Forces without contributing to operational costs, particularly fuel expenses.
During discussions on the 2025 budget statement on Thursday, March 27, she pointed out that various state institutions frequently rely on the Air Force’s equipment and services but fail to support the payment of fuel bills.
This, she noted, has left the Armed Forces struggling with financial constraints.
“I am glad that the Minister for Defense is here so that he can chase the Minister of Finance for the payment for the payment of things that are incurred not by the Armed Forces but by the use of other agencies,” she said.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings also welcomed the support of former defense ministers and deputies who, from the opposition side, had acknowledged the challenges facing the ministry.
She recalled previous discussions in Parliament regarding incomplete military projects, including the revamping of the ideology department at the 37 Military Hospital and the inconsistent progress of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).
She further emphasized the importance of national security, expressing optimism that the defense industries could contribute significantly to Ghana’s industrialization efforts.
Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings joined her colleagues in advocating for an increase in the defense budget, urging the government to reconsider allocations during the mid-year budget review.
“Although we are tightening our belts due to inherited debts, we must work with what we have for now. I, therefore, urge this House to approve the sum of GHS 6,371,467,598 for the implementation of programs by the Ministry of Defense and its agencies for the 2025 financial year,” she added.
