The high attrition of trained pilots in the GAF worrying – MP

Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Ophelia Mensah, is worried over the high attrition of trained pilots in the Ghana Air Force, attributing it to inadequate aircraft.

According to Ophelia Mensah, air combat capability is crucial to enhance the surveillance of the country’s airspace, particularly in light of terrorism in the West African sub-region, hence the pressing need to procure additional logistics, including executive aircraft, fighter jets, and helicopters, for rescue and defense purposes.

She is, therefore, admonishing the government to immediately address the issue.

She raised the concern during the consideration of the budget estimates for the Ministry of Defence.

“During the committee’s meeting to review the budget estimate for the Defence Ministry, several observations and recommendations were made. One key recommendation, which I wish to highlight to the House, is the necessity to acquire more aircraft for the Ministry. It is crucial to note that air combat capability is vital for strengthening the surveillance of the country’s airspace, especially in the West African sub-region in the wake of recent incidents.”

“The Ghana Air Force, therefore, needs to procure additional logistics, such as executive aircraft, fighter jets, and helicopters for rescue and defence purposes. It is a matter of concern that the Ghana Armed Forces have recently experienced attrition of trained pilots, making it imperative for the Ghana Air Force to take immediate steps to halt this phenomenon,” she said.