Accra, July 28, GNA - A group within the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Research and Advocacy Platform (RAP), has waded into the controversy over the purchase of aircrafts, saying Government ought to be commended for its efforts to safeguard the integrity of the country. They said the acquisition of the five aircrafts would shore up the capacity of the Air force, secure the nation's onshore and offshore strategic installations, thereby leading to accelerated economic development.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra on Thursday, the Spokesperson for the RAP, Mr Felix Quarshie Fosu said it was disheartening that enlightened members of the opposition NPP 93who should know better, are castigating government on an issue, which held significant implications for the country's well being."

He insisted that government's decision to equip the Air Force with relatively modern platforms in order to enable them to defend the country from attacks and also help to enforce the nation's laws should not be construed as opulence on the part of the executive. "The need to secure the nation's oil fields and strategic assets li= ke FSPO require that we have the necessary capacity to deal with any attacks o= n such vital installations", he said.

Mr Fosu said it was hypocritical on the part of the opposition NPP and its members of Parliament to 93suggest" that the prices of the aircrafts= , especially the Embrear 190 SAA had been hyped by government. "In other words, the NPP is saying that the Military High Command headed by General Blay, the Air Force Commander, Air Vice Marshal Samson Oje, who has given 35 years of distinguished service to the nation, the technical team set up to negotiate the purchase, the manufacturers of the aircraft, the Brazilian Government and military authorities are corrupt. "We wish to reiterate that the NDC government led by President Mills does not practice a kick-back collection scheme. President Mill's integri= ty is unassailable.

"It is about time the NPP begins to realize that their brand of politics, which is often devoid of scruple is inconsistent with the aspirations of the people of this country" he said. Mr Fosu added that RAP would position itself to expose the machination= s of the opposition in order for Ghanaians to make informed decisions during elections for their leaders.