Zanetor demands payment for Air Force services by state agencies

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Klottey Korle, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, has voiced concerns over government agencies utilizing the Ghana Armed Forces’ resources without contributing to operational costs, particularly fuel expenses.

Speaking during discussions on the 2025 budget statement on Thursday, March 27, she highlighted how various state institutions frequently rely on the Air Force’s equipment and services but fail to assist with covering fuel costs, leaving the Armed Forces financially strained.

“I am glad that the Minister for Defense is here so that he can chase the Minister of Finance for the payment for the payment of things that are incurred not by the Armed Forces but by the use of other agencies,” she said.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings acknowledged support from former defense ministers and deputies, who, from the opposition side, had recognized the ministry’s ongoing financial challenges.

She also revisited previous parliamentary discussions about unfinished military projects, including the revamping of the ideology department at the 37 Military Hospital and the inconsistent progress of Forward Operating Bases (FOBs).

Emphasizing the significance of national security, she expressed optimism that the defense industries could play a key role in Ghana’s broader industrialization goals.

Dr. Agyeman-Rawlings joined other MPs in calling for an increase in the defense budget and urged the government to reconsider allocations during the mid-year budget review.

“Although we are tightening our belts due to inherited debts, we must work with what we have for now. I, therefore, urge this House to approve the sum of GHS 6,371,467,598 for the implementation of programs by the Ministry of Defense and its agencies for the 2025 financial year,” she added.