The Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament, Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, has criticised the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for what he describes as a misplaced defence priority in the 2026 Budget.

In a statement posted on Thursday, November 13 — the same day Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson presented the budget — the Member of Parliament for Assin South said the government had “swerved” the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) by abandoning expectations for fighter jets.

According to Rev. Ntim Fordjour, the NDC, while in opposition, rejected President Akufo-Addo’s proposal to procure aircraft, two offshore patrol vessels and six fighter jets for the GAF.

He said it was therefore surprising that the new budget now seeks to acquire two “luxury jets”, four helicopters and two offshore patrol vessels.

He noted that the nation’s “gallant soldiers” would have expected the government to prioritise the acquisition of fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to enhance the operational strength of the Ghana Armed Forces.

Instead, he argued, the government had “chosen to prioritise their travel luxury” over the real needs of the military.

Rev. Ntim Fordjour further stated that Ghanaians — and former President Akufo-Addo in particular — deserved an “unqualified apology” from the NDC.

He accused the government of exhibiting “palpable hypocrisy and bad faith” in the management of national defence and security matters.