The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has firecely replied the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa that the ranks and file of the Ghana Air Force are not bothered by President Akufo-Addo’s preference for luxurious aircraft operated by foreign crew operated by foreign crew.

According to a statement issued by GAF, the Air Force is not moved by the President’s choice of aircrafts for his travels abroad.

Meanwhile, the MP took to his social media page to tell the world that there’s disquiet in the ranks of the Air Force over the president’s preference for luxurious aircrafts.

The statement signed by the Acting Director of Public Relations, Commander Andy La-Anyane, dated September 28, 2021, stated the allegation made by the MP was unfounded.

Thus, the information out out by Mr Ablakwa in the public domain has no bearing, so “we want to state unequivocally that this allegation is untrue and without basis.”

The statement further added that the morale of personnel, not only in the Air Force but the entire Ghana Armed Forces has never been at a very high level but appreciate the numerous support received from the government.

“Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces appreciate the numerous additions that the government has made for the smooth running of operations, including accommodation for troops and their families, vehicles to enhance mobility, review of salaries amongst many others.

“Troops also appreciate the efforts being made by government in retooling the Force with the acquisition of a number of platforms including war ships for the Ghana Navy, Armoured Personnel Carriers for the Ghana Army, various aircraft including strategic lift for VIP’s for use by the Ghana Air Force and many others,” it added.

It also pointed out that the fighter squadron of the Ghana Air Force is currently being retooled by government to augment the professional posture of the Ghana Air Force.

On this score, the statement advised the general public to treat the allegations of disquiet within the ranks of the Ghana Air Force with the contempt it deserves and further urged politicians in particular not to drag GAF into partisan politics.

“Our mandate as captured in the 1992 constitution is to defend the territorial integrity of Ghana and we should be allowed to focus on our mandate. Finally, we wish to assure the general public once again that morale of troops is very high,” it stressed.

Story by Akutu Dede Adimer