Acting Defence Minister, Ato Forson and other officials inspecting the new helicopter
The Government has taken delivery of a new Airbus H175 helicopter for the Ghana Air Force (GAF), as part of efforts to modernise the operational fleet of the Ghana Armed Forces and strengthen its air support capabilities.
The aircraft, manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, was ferried from Marignane in France and arrived in Accra on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after successfully completing all technical acceptance procedures with the manufacturer.
The delivery flight followed a carefully planned route through Spain and North-West Africa before continuing south along the West African Atlantic coastline through several countries en-route to Ghana.
The new helicopter forms part of a broader defence procurement programme approved by Parliament to improve the operational readiness and flexibility of the Air Force.
Under the programme, the government has approved the acquisition of one Airbus H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, as well as a Falcon 6X long-range aircraft from Dassault Aviation.
The procurement initiative is aimed at addressing the operational constraints posed by the Air Force’s ageing fleet while enhancing its ability to respond to national security operations, humanitarian missions and emergency situations.
Upon arrival in Accra, the aircraft was formally welcomed with a traditional water salute, a ceremonial gesture widely used in both military and civil aviation to mark the induction of a new aircraft into service.
The helicopter was subsequently consecrated by clergy led by the Director-General of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces, Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood.
A number of senior government officials and military commanders were present to receive the aircraft at the ceremony.
They included the Acting Minister for Defence and Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; the Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza; and the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi.
Also present were the Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy in Ghana, Raphael Pont; the Chief of the Defence Staff, William Agyapong; the Chief of the Air Staff; the Chief of the Naval Staff; the Chief of Staff; and several senior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The acquisition of the Airbus H175 is expected to enhance the Air Force’s capacity to undertake a wide range of missions, including troop transport, search and rescue operations, medical evacuation and maritime surveillance.
A Daily Guide Report