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The Minority Leader in Parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has voiced strong opposition to the government’s plan to purchase ships for the Ghana Navy at an estimated cost of €140 million.
During a parliamentary session on December 16, Dr. Forson criticized the proposal, describing it as unnecessary and ill-advised, especially given Ghana’s current economic challenges. He argued that the deal would place an undue financial strain on the incoming government, potentially increasing Ghana’s debt burden by $350 million.
“There are obvious attempts by this government to saddle the incoming government with a huge financial strain, and I say this because before us they’re proposing to buy ships worth €140 million at this time,” he stated. “Mr. Speaker, it is very wrong for a government that is leaving office in three weeks to commit €140 million. If it is extremely important for the State, allow the new government to commit to them.”
Dr. Forson further warned that the Minority would oppose any tax exemptions or loans tied to the transaction. “Mr. Speaker, the tax exemptions before us, if approved, will have a fiscal burden in the next budget. So you are saying that the next government should carry your burden of $350 million. Mr. Speaker, no way. It’s not going to happen,” he declared. He urged the government to avoid making financial commitments that could restrict the fiscal flexibility of the next administration.
However, Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul defended the government’s decision, emphasizing the strategic importance of the ships for the Ghana Navy. He revealed that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had approved the government’s request to secure a loan for the purchase. “He [Dr. Ato Forson] knows that it was the IMF that had to agree to open up the space for Ghana to be able to take this because Ghana doesn’t have aircraft and ships for our military,” Nitiwul explained.
He added that the ships were an opportunity to strengthen the Navy’s capabilities. “We have the opportunity to purchase two ships from France for the Ghana Navy. If you think that we have to wait for the next administration, we don’t have a problem at all,” Nitiwul concluded.
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