The Deputy Director-General of Ghana’s Cyber Security Authority, Dr Jamaldeen Tonzua Seidu, has rejected claims that the Ghana Armed Forces are poorly equipped to carry out their duties, describing such suggestions as “misleading”.
His comments come in the wake of public scrutiny following a tragic military helicopter crash on August 6 that killed eight people, including high-ranking government officials and Air Force personnel. Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, and key National Democratic Congress (NDC) figures.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Dr. Seidu urged Ghanaians to avoid making sweeping claims about the military’s readiness without solid evidence.
“What’s the basis for saying we don’t have many operational aircraft or that they are not functioning well?” he asked. “Such conclusions may have no basis without evidential proof. We need to weigh what we have statistically against the overall operations they undertake, and then decide whether the Ghana Air Force should be commended.”
The fatal crash still under investigation, has prompted fresh concerns about the state of the military’s logistics and aviation fleet, particularly the condition and maintenance of Ghana Air Force aircraft.
But Dr Seidu maintained that the Ghana Armed Forces are doing all they can within the limits of the country’s economic resources.
“Under very trying circumstances, our men and women in uniform, particularly the Ghana Air Force are doing their best. We are probably doing well, but there is always room for improvement,” he said.
The tragedy has reignited public debate on defence spending, military preparedness, and the safety of government officials traveling by air. While investigations continue, the government has called for national unity and restraint in public commentary.
The loss has cast a long shadow over Ghana’s political and security landscape, with tributes pouring in for the victims. A state funeral is expected to be held later this week.
