Jinapor Criticises Government’s Plan to Buy Four Helicopters and Two Jets

Damongo MP Samuel A. Jinapor has slammed the government for what he calls a clear case of misplaced priorities, questioning the decision to commit GHC13.1 billion to purchase four helicopters and two presidential jets while many public sector workers allegedly remain unpaid.

Speaking during the debate on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy on Wednesday, November 18, Jinapor argued that the government has drifted from its key campaign commitments such as lowering the cost of living and creating jobs. Instead, he said, authorities are channeling scarce resources into expensive aircraft that in no way address the pressing needs of everyday Ghanaians.

He described the move as unacceptable, especially when “nurses, teachers and other public workers are struggling to receive their salaries,” adding that traders, farmers and other groups are facing severe economic challenges.

Jinapor cautioned that such spending decisions send the wrong message at a time when sectors critical to national welfare lack adequate financial support.

24-Hour Economy Still Invisible

He also reignited criticism of the government’s 24-hour economy initiative, disputing claims in the budget that the policy is fully operational. He argued that even basic public services are not functioning effectively, yet the government struggles to pay existing workers, casting doubt on the feasibility of a three-shift system.

“Nurses are working without pay, teachers are working without pay. How then can additional staff be recruited when the current workforce is not even being compensated?” he asked.

Macroeconomic Gains Not Reaching Citizens

Jinapor further challenged government claims of economic progress, noting that although the budget highlights declining inflation and spending cuts, the supposed gains have not improved living conditions. He pointed out that government spending in the first three quarters was 15% below target — a level of under-expenditure he believes is suffocating businesses, restricting access to credit, and worsening payment delays across essential sectors.

He cited the reported case of more than one million metric tons of paddy rice left to rot due to the absence of buyers as evidence of weakened domestic demand and growing distress within the productive economy.