President Mahama Inaugurates Four Helicopters

President John Mahama this afternoon inaugurated four state of the Art MI-171 SH helicopters and an ultra modern logistics warehouse for the Ghana Air Force. These facilities are in fulfillment of government's commitment to retooling the military. President Mahama in his inaugural speech pledged his personal determination and that of the NDC government to continuously equip the Ghana Armed Forces. The MI 171 SH Helicopter, which was manufactured by Rosoboron Exporters of Russia, has a normal weight of 11,100 kilogrammes with a maximum of 13,000 kilogrammes, a main tank capacity of 610 kilometres with the main and external tank capacity of 1065 kilometres. Minister of Defence Lieutenant General Joseph Henry Smith, said the helicopters had a package of training the staff of the Air Force and they would take advantage to provide more capacity building for them. He said the helicopters were fitted with exhaust that could suppress warfare measures and advised the staff to make maximum use of the facility. Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Vladmir V. Barbin, said Russia had over the years enjoyed good relations with Ghana and the current transaction would further strengthen their relationship with mutual respect and trust.