A leading member of the Movement for Change, Solomon Owusu, has lambasted the former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led administration for what he describes as misplaced priorities.

Solomon Owusu has cited the previous government's ability to allocate over US$22 million to architect David Adjaye for the design of the National Cathedral project and US$97 million for excavation works, while failing to procure a single robust military helicopter for the country.

"That is why resource allocation, buying a robust helicopter, wouldn't cost you more than US$15 million.

"But we found US$22 million and gave it to David Adjayi to just design. David Adjaye got more than US$22 million to just design what we call the National Cathedral. We found US$97 million just to go and dig a hole. That is the priority of the nation, and not the army.

"…and so, when these things come, I expect Col. Aboagye [and others] to face the music, look straight into those who have misinvested in this country to tell them enough is enough. Let us not embellish anything," 3news.com quoted him as saying.

Speaking on a panel discussion on TV3 on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Owusu's comments came in the wake of a tragic military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent individuals, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.

According to him, the country has consistently prioritised "frivolous" projects over critical state security needs.

National Cathedral project not abandoned – Board

He contrasted Ghana's military spending with that of the United States, highlighting that America invests heavily in equipping and protecting its soldiers, while Ghana's Armed Forces continue to operate with inadequate resources.

Owusu urged security experts to speak boldly against what he called "misinvestment" in national projects, insisting that those responsible must be confronted directly.

The fatal crash occurred as the officials were travelling to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for an event aimed at addressing illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.

The victims included Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Samuel Aboag, Former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

AM/SEA

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