Former Managing Director of the Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), Nana Akwasi Awuah, has criticised the government for allocating GH¢13.1 billion for new aircraft, arguing that the funds should instead be channeled into addressing persistent demands from nurses, teachers, and doctors for improved working conditions.
According to him, the decision to prioritise four helicopters and two presidential jets at a time when public sector workers continue to demonstrate for better treatment raises serious questions about the government’s spending priorities.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Big Issue on Saturday, November 22, he urged the government to adequately prioritise and allocate resources to address the concerns of health and education workers, stressing that their welfare is critical to the country’s development.
“GH¢13.1 billion to acquire aircraft will be better spent on engaging these nurses who are constantly hitting the streets, and the teachers and doctors who are always appealing for better conditions.
We should invest in these areas instead of acquiring a presidential jet for the comfort of the person who holds that office. Recently we saw teachers and nurses demonstrating, yet we want to spend this amount on the executive. It really raises questions about the government’s priorities,” he said.
His criticism echoes concerns raised in Parliament, where the Member of Parliament for Damongo, Samuel Abu Jinapor, also condemned the allocation during debate on the 2026 Budget Statement and Economic Policy.
Jinapor argued that the government’s decision is “misplaced,” particularly when reports suggest many public sector workers remain unpaid. He said the move contradicts the administration’s earlier promises to reduce the cost of living and create more jobs.
