Ghana confirms Super Tucano, Z-9 acquisitions

The Ghana Air Force (GAF) will acquire four new Harbin Z-9 helicopters from China and five new Embraer Super Tucano trainer and light attack aircraft from Brazil, President John Dramani Mahama has announced.

Mahama confirmed the orders at the General Headquarters 2014 West African Soldiers Social Activities (WASSA) celebration at Burma Camp in Accra on 13 February, according to the Ghana Air Force. He also announced that the Air Force would receive a new 500-bed hospital in Kumasi in southern Ghana.

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