Former Health Minister, Dr Bernard Okoe Boye has raised concerns about government spending after revealing that more than GH¢2.5bn has been paid as an initial instalment for six aircraft for the Ghana Air Force, at a time when many parts of the country continue to face power cuts.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme, Dr Okoe Boye said the government had already paid GH¢2.532bn towards the purchase.
His comments come as intermittent electricity outages, widely known as dumsor, continue to affect homes and businesses.
He questioned whether the funds could have been better used to address the country’s energy challenges.
“This administration has paid GH¢2.532bn as the first instalment for six planes for the Ghana Air Force,” he said. “If that money had been paid into the energy sector, maybe the dumsor would not be happening.”
Dr Okoe Boye argued that the scale of the expenditure was difficult to justify given the current power situation. He said investing in the energy sector could have helped stabilise electricity supply and reduce the impact of outages on the economy.
He also suggested that similar military assets could be acquired at a lower cost. According to him, about $150m would be enough to procure reliable aircraft and helicopters.
The former minister called on the government to reassess its spending priorities and focus more on sectors that directly affect the daily lives of citizens.
Source: metrotvonline.com
