Ghana's President confirms acquisition of 4 Harbin Z-9 helicopters and 5 Super Tucano trainer aircraft.

The acquisitions were first announced in November last year but no quantities were mentioned. At the time, Mahama said the Ghana Air Force would acquire Super Tucanos, Z-9s, additional Mi-17 helicopters and a single C-295 transport aircraft. The aircraft would be used for training, peace support and combat operations.

Mahama told the Graphic that the Z-9s would be delivered in June 2015 and added that there were plans to establish a flight training school in Tamale to serve as a training base for the region.

Ghana already operates the Mi-17 and C-295, with ten Mi-17s and two C-295s in service.

“We must prepare and train for any eventuality – hostage situations, bombings, and attacks on shopping malls among others. Government would therefore continue to work with you, in our progressive effort to upgrade GAF into a vibrant force in the sub region and enhance your capacity in contributing to the sustainable growth of our economy,” Mahama said on Friday.

He added that the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College had been upgraded with a new auditorium, lecture halls etc. to make it a fully-fledged military university and said the government would expand the facilities of the Ghana Military Academy and Training Schools in order to double the officer cadet intake.