Ernest Henry Norgbey, a member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has dismissed claims by Damongo MP Samuel Abu Jinapor that the government’s allocation of GHC13.1 billion for four aircraft and two presidential jets reflects misplaced priorities.

Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, November 20, Norgbey argued that the country’s current economic position provides sufficient fiscal space to retool and strengthen security agencies. He insisted that the investment in aircraft is necessary and justified.

“The economy, as we speak now, we have everything at stake to make sure all the agencies that were lagging in the previous administration for the past eight years are retooled. We have the know-how and the resources to ensure that these agencies receive what they need,” he stated.

Norgbey, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ashaiman, maintained that modernising the security services is a national priority that should not be politicised.

“We all understand that the security services must be retooled. I don’t see the hullabaloo about dedicating funds to strengthen them. The economy today is better than it was under the past NPP regime. It may not be 100%, but it is significantly better,” he added.

He described criticisms of the aircraft procurement as “mere political rhetoric” and dismissed assertions that the government is acting irresponsibly.