Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the former Minister of Education, has warned that the slash-and-burn politics in Ghana can put the lives of all Ghanaians at risk.
Adutwum was sharing his opinion on the recent military helicopter tragedy on August 6 that claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians when he made those remarks.
He blamed the NDC for the Akufo-Addo government’s failure to sufficiently retool the Ghana Air Force.
Speaking in an interview on Nhyira FM’s Kuro Yi Mu Nsem, Adutwum stated, “I have boarded the Air Force helicopter several times, and I never felt it could even crash because of the experienced and disciplined pilots and its smooth ride. I am still in a state of shock”.
“When Nana Addo decided to buy aircraft for the military, the then opposition MPs rose against it and played politics around it. The ‘slash and burn politics’ can put the lives of all Ghanaians at risk and eventually make politicians look stupid,” he cautioned.
Adutwum added, “We cannot continue to demonise all the contributions of our political opponents for political gains. I believe if what a particular government is doing will help the nation, we must all support it and avoid unnecessary criticisms”.
Also, Kennedy Agyapong, a flagbearer hopeful of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has urged Ghanaians to allow the government to spend when it comes to buying aircraft.
The former lawmaker noted that the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) helicopter that crashed was approved during former president Kufuor’s time.
Speaking at the state funeral on August 15, 2025, Kennedy Agyapong stated, “I want to take this opportunity to console the bereaved families, but sometimes, the nation needs to understand when the state spends money on certain things”.
“Whenever the government decides on a project, Ghanaians start criticising. But where the government spends in a way that will help the nation, we should all agree and support it”.
The former Assin Central lawmaker added, “If the aircraft are old, then we need to get new ones…so sometimes we have to understand when the state spends money on certain things; this helicopter was approved during President Kufuor’s time. It was two, but they criticised it and we had the courage to go for one”.
In addition, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, has called on all political actors to stop playing politics with the procurement of presidential planes and helicopters.
According to the Asantehene, lives are at stake, and Ghana must ensure the safety and efficiency of the president and its personnel in the security service.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II made this known when the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace following last week’s tragic helicopter crash.
He described the incident as a national concern and further expressed deep sympathy to President John Mahama and the bereaved families.
The Asantehene stated, “Enough of the politicising of the purchase of presidential planes and helicopters. Human lives are at stake here. We must invest to safeguard their safety and efficiency”.
He further noted that most of the military aircraft currently in use are not in good condition.
He emphasised the need for investment in modern and reliable alternatives.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II further urged all political divides to come together to address Ghana’s aviation and security logistics challenges.