The Minority Caucus in Parliament has urged the government to halt plans to procure a new presidential jet and four helicopters, describing the move as poorly timed amid ongoing challenges confronting cocoa farmers nationwide.
The call follows comments by the Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, who indicated that Ghana could acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November 2026 as part of efforts to enhance the country’s aviation capacity.
However, the Minority contends that the proposed acquisition reflects misplaced priorities, especially as cocoa farmers continue to face delayed payments and reduced producer prices.
Addressing cocoa farmers at Asante Akyem Ofoase, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, questioned the government’s spending decisions.
He stressed that cocoa farmers, who are vital to Ghana’s economy, should not be neglected while the state considers significant expenditure on presidential aircraft.
“If you can borrow money to buy a jet but cannot borrow to pay cocoa farmers, then during election time the jet will go and vote for you,” he remarked.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also accused the government of failing to fulfil its campaign promises to farmers, noting that falling cocoa prices and payment delays have severely impacted producers across the country.
He added that the Minority would continue to advocate for urgent interventions to address the situation.
