A former communicator of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dela Coffie, has provided justifications to back the government’s decision to purchase new presidential jets.

He argued that the move is justified by what he describes as the economic growth and progress achieved under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

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Coffie highlighted the falling public debt and declining inflation, among other factors, while drawing a stark contrast with the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, which he claims burdened the economy with taxes and left it struggling.

“… Yes, Ghana under the Mahama presidency can afford a complete overhaul of the Armed Forces Communications Squadron, and you know why? Unlike the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia economy where every public service was on its knees, debt and taxation levels were at historic highs, and black hole in government finances, the current NDC regime is resetting for growth, stability, and economic transformation.

“Indeed, the government has gained credibility through fiscal discipline, with inflation down from 23.8 percent in 2024 to a record 6.3 percent, beating the end-year target of 11.9%, and the primary balance swinging from a deficit of 3 percent of GDP in 2024 to a surplus of 1.6 percent by September 2025, outperforming the 0.6 percent target for the period,” he wrote on Facebook on December 7, 2025.

Dela Coffie also added that, “Again, public debt has dropped from 61.8 percent at the end of 2024 to 45 percent of GDP at the end of October 2025, and our gross reserves has also strengthened from 4 months to 4.8 months of import cover. The exchange rate volatilities of the NPP regime is now a thing of the past - Today, we're enjoying a stable currency with a strong purchasing power.”

Coffie also insisted that given these developments, the country can afford to purchase the jet, acquire aircraft for the military, and prioritise the president’s safety.

“As a matter of fact, the economic narratives gaining the most traction in recent times are modern monetary theory, fiscal discipline, and tax wealth - And it's the NDC that's taking a good hard look at these ideas with deep thinkers like Dr Ato Forson and Dr Johnson Asiamah at the economic management desk.

“So yes, with this real, measurable progress, we should be able to acquire a new presidential jet, and put the safety and well-being of the Commander-In-Chief above all other considerations,” Coffie noted.

He also stated that just because the ruling government criticised the former NPP administration for the idea of purchasing a new presidential aircraft, it does not mean they cannot acquire one during their tenure.

His comments follow concerns raised by some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the decision to acquire the jet.

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Notably, Dominic Nitiwul, Member of Parliament for Bimbilla, called on the government to explain its plan to purchase two new aircraft for the Ghana Air Force, questioning why similar requests had been repeatedly rejected in the past.



MAG/AE

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