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Ghana currently has no airworthy helicopter - Col Aboagye reveals

Ghana's Shocking Helicopter Crisis: No Airworthy Aircraft in the Fleet, Reveals Security Expert Col. Festus Aboagye

In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Ghana's defense and security circles, Colonel Festus Aboagye, a retired military officer and prominent security analyst, has disclosed that the country currently possesses no airworthy helicopters. This alarming admission highlights a critical gap in Ghana's aerial capabilities, raising serious questions about national security, emergency response, and military readiness. The statement came during a recent interview on a local media platform, where Col. Aboagye delved into the broader implications of this deficiency amid ongoing discussions about Ghana's defense infrastructure.

Col. Aboagye, known for his forthright commentary on military affairs, explained that Ghana's fleet of helicopters, once a vital component of the armed forces, has deteriorated to the point of inoperability. He pointed out that the nation's helicopters, primarily used for troop transport, medical evacuations, surveillance, and disaster response, are all grounded due to a combination of factors including poor maintenance, lack of spare parts, and insufficient funding. "We don't have a single helicopter that can fly right now," he stated emphatically, underscoring the urgency of the situation. This revelation is particularly poignant given Ghana's geographical vulnerabilities, such as its extensive coastline, porous borders, and frequent natural disasters like flooding, which often require rapid aerial intervention.

To understand the depth of this crisis, it's essential to trace the history of Ghana's helicopter acquisitions and their subsequent decline. Ghana's military aviation history dates back to the post-independence era, with the Ghana Air Force establishing itself as a key player in regional peacekeeping and internal security operations. Over the years, the country has acquired various helicopters, including models like the Mil Mi-17 from Russia and possibly others through international partnerships. These assets have been instrumental in missions such as supporting United Nations peacekeeping efforts in conflict zones like Liberia, Sierra Leone, and more recently in Mali. However, Col. Aboagye highlighted that successive governments have failed to prioritize the upkeep of these vital machines. He attributed the current state to chronic underfunding of the defense sector, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and a lack of strategic planning. For instance, maintenance contracts have lapsed, and trained personnel have either retired or sought opportunities abroad, leaving a skills vacuum.

The implications of having no operational helicopters are multifaceted and far-reaching. In terms of national security, Ghana relies on aerial assets for border patrols, anti-smuggling operations, and counter-terrorism efforts, especially in the volatile Sahel region where threats from extremist groups could spill over. Without helicopters, ground forces are severely hampered, as they lack the mobility and reconnaissance advantages that air support provides. Col. Aboagye drew parallels to recent incidents, such as the need for quick aerial responses during electoral violence or communal clashes in northern Ghana, where the absence of helicopters could exacerbate delays and increase risks to personnel and civilians alike.

Moreover, the crisis extends beyond military applications to civilian emergencies. Ghana has faced numerous disasters in recent years, including devastating floods in the Volta Region and urban fires in Accra. Helicopters are crucial for search and rescue operations, delivering aid to inaccessible areas, and evacuating the injured. Col. Aboagye recounted how, in the past, helicopters played pivotal roles in such scenarios, but now, the country might have to rely on neighboring nations or international aid for support, which could compromise sovereignty and response times. He criticized the government's apparent inaction, suggesting that funds allocated for defense have been diverted to less critical areas, leading to this precarious situation.

Public reaction to Col. Aboagye's disclosure has been swift and varied. Opposition figures have seized upon the revelation to lambast the current administration for neglecting national security, calling for an immediate audit of defense spending and a transparent procurement process for new helicopters. Social media platforms have buzzed with concerns from citizens, many expressing disbelief that a middle-income country like Ghana, with its growing economy and oil revenues, could allow such a vital asset to fall into disrepair. Security experts have echoed Col. Aboagye's sentiments, warning that this vulnerability could embolden criminal elements, such as illegal miners (galamsey operators) who exploit remote areas, or even external threats like piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Col. Aboagye proposed several solutions to address the helicopter shortfall. He advocated for a comprehensive overhaul of the Ghana Air Force's maintenance protocols, including partnerships with international manufacturers for training and spare parts supply. He also called for increased budgetary allocation to defense, emphasizing the need for long-term planning rather than reactive measures. "We cannot afford to wait for a crisis to act," he warned, suggesting that Ghana explore leasing options or second-hand acquisitions from reliable allies to bridge the immediate gap. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of investing in local capacity building, such as training more pilots and engineers at institutions like the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

This revelation comes at a time when Ghana is positioning itself as a stable democracy and economic hub in West Africa. The lack of airworthy helicopters not only undermines this image but also poses real risks to the safety and well-being of its citizens. As debates intensify in parliament and among civil society groups, there is growing pressure on the government to respond decisively. Whether through emergency funding, international collaborations, or policy reforms, addressing this helicopter crisis is imperative to restore Ghana's aerial capabilities and ensure robust national defense.

In conclusion, Col. Festus Aboagye's exposé serves as a wake-up call for Ghana to reevaluate its priorities in defense and security. The absence of operational helicopters is more than a logistical issue; it's a symptom of deeper systemic challenges that, if left unaddressed, could have dire consequences. As the nation grapples with this reality, the hope is that proactive steps will be taken to prevent future vulnerabilities and safeguard the country's interests. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Ghanaweb.com Article at:
[ https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Ghana-currently-has-no-airworthy-helicopter-Col-Aboagye-reveals-1996460 ]