BY Grace Zigah
In the wake of the recent Obuasi helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including prominent public figures, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has issued a stern rebuke to the political class, urging them to stop turning the procurement of presidential planes and military helicopters into a partisan battleground.
Speaking at the Manhyia Palace during a courtesy visit by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Asantehene expressed deep condolences to President John Mahama and the families of the deceased.
He described the tragedy as a “national concern” that transcends party lines and called for urgent, united action to strengthen the nation’s aviation safety systems.
The helicopter crash on August 7, 2025, in Obuasi, has reignited debate over the state of the military and presidential aircraft fleet—many of which, according to aviation sources, have been in service for decades, with limited upgrades.
Past procurement attempts have often been mired in political controversy, with the National Democratic Congress then in opposition using such acquisitions to score points rather than addressing the underlying safety issues.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu warned that this politicisation comes at the expense of human lives.
“Enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes and helicopters. Human lives are at stake here. We must invest to safeguard their safety and efficiency,” he declared.
He noted that several of the Ghana Armed Forces’ operational aircraft are in poor condition and stressed the urgent need for modern, reliable replacements. Without them, he cautioned, the risk of future disasters remains high.
This is not the first time Ghana has faced turbulence over presidential aircraft purchases.
In 2008, the acquisition of a Falcon 900 EX jet under President John Agyekum Kufuor drew heavy criticism from political opponents, who argued it was a misuse of public funds.
More recently, under President Nana Akufo-Addo’s administration, discussions around replacing ageing aircraft for both presidential and military use also became a political flashpoint.
The Asantehene’s remarks come at a time when the nation is still reeling from the loss of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah and other distinguished Ghanaians in the crash.
Aviation analysts have long warned that without depoliticising procurement processes and prioritising safety over political expediency, Ghana risks more avoidable tragedies.
Calling for unity across the political spectrum, Otumfuo urged both government and opposition to work collaboratively on securing Ghana’s aviation infrastructure.
He stressed that aviation procurement is a matter of national security, not political convenience, and should be treated with the gravity it deserves.
The government has yet to issue a detailed plan for overhauling the country’s military aviation fleet.
