The Member of Parliament for New Juaben South, Michael Kofi Okyere Baafi, has backed President John Dramani Mahama’s proposal to acquire new aircraft for the Ghana Armed Forces.

In an interview with Channel One TV on Sunday, August 10, Mr. Okyere Baafi endorsed the President’s call for a transparent investigation into the recent helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight prominent Ghanaians.

He further argued that the current fleet of military aircraft is outdated and unfit for purpose, making urgent procurement necessary.

“These helicopters and aircraft we have are not so suitable. We have to support the government to get new aircraft as a matter of urgency.”

Mr. Okyere Baafi also voiced concern about how politics continues to divide the nation, urging Ghanaians to put the national interest above partisan lines, especially during times of tragedy.

“Politics has created a lot of mess in the country, and this is the time for us to see this unfortunate incident as a call to place the future of Ghana above politics. I believe this is the time Ghana must forge ahead in unity because politics has destroyed the country.”

His remarks come amid a period of national mourning and growing debate over the state of Ghana’s military assets, following the military helicopter crash in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region that claimed eight lives.

The government declared a three-day national mourning period from Thursday, August 7, which included a flower-laying ceremony. An evening of reflection and memorial service was also held in their honour on Saturday, August 9.

The helicopter crash on Wednesday, August 6, claimed the lives of Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence, and Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation.

Others confirmed dead were Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The crew members who perished were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Meanwhile, the burial rites for Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and MP for Tamale Central, and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, will be held on Sunday, August 10.

In accordance with Islamic tradition, Janazah prayers will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, followed by burial at 2:30 p.m. at the Military Cemetery, Accra.