Wereko-Brobby asks for cost of new Presidential Aircraft

Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Presidential Candidate of the United Ghana Movement (UGM) has asked the Minister of Communications, Mr. John Mahama to provide Ghanaians with the cost of the new Presidential Aircraft and explain the circumstances under which it was acquired.

In a letter written to the Minister and copied to the media said the executive has so far failed to "render account to the people as to why and how the aircraft was acquired". The letter also asked for the source of the funds for the purchase of the aircraft and the authority that approved it. Dr Wereko-Brobby quoted Articles 175 and 178 of the Constitution, which deals with the use of public funds, adding that, there was no evidence to prove that parliamentary approval was sought before the purchase of the aircraft. "I believe I have been able to impress upon the executive the imperatives need for a full explanation and constitutionality of the processes that went into the procurement of the new presidential jet.?

"I trust, therefore, that you will take the time and trouble to ensure that we, that is the people of Ghana, are availed with the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth of the matter." Dr Wereko-Brobby said he was on record to have supported the availability of a safe, reliable and cost-effective official aircraft for the use of the President and other state matters. "However, I am also on record as demanding that a decision to replace the so-called "Flying Coffin" must be subjected to public debate and accountability."

Following is the questionnaire sent to the Minister: I would be most grateful if you could let the Ghanaian public know the answers to the following questions on the manner and timing of the acquisition of the new aircraft for the use of the President and other state officials

1.Who took the decision to acquire the aircraft?

2.When was the decision taken?

3.What considerations went into the decision making process, especially comparative analysis of? : Use of commercial flights versus acquisition of official, plane. The types and seating capacities of available aircraft. Leasing versus outright purchase.

4.How much did the aircraft cost in total, that is down payment plus other agreed payments for whatever duration it is contracted for?

5.Was the money for the aircraft included in the budget estimates presented to and/or approved by Parliament?

6.If parliamentary approval was not sought or given what is the constitutional authority, which allowed the executive to spend the money?

7.On what date was the aircraft bought?

8.Whom was it bought from?

9.Who is the aircraft registered to? : The Civil Aviation Authority. The Ghana Armed Forces, the Ministry of Roads and Transport or the Office of the President?

10.Who is paying for the recurrent expenditure for the operation and maintenance of the aircraft and what mechanisms are in place to ensure that these expenditures are subjected to Parliamentary scrutiny?