On Wednesday, the Ghana Air Force received delivery of four brand new Chinese-made Z-9 EH helicopters, to strengthen patrol of the country's gas and oil facilities. The helicopters are to be primarily used to patrol the onshore and offshore gas pipeline owned by the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, oil installations and the coast.
The Z-9 helicopter is produced by the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, based on the French Eurocopter Dauphin.
President John Dramani Mahama during the commissioning ceremony for the helicopters at the Air Force base, thanked the Chinese government for financing the US$100 million procurement.
"Let me take this opportunity to thank the Chinese government for the financial support through the China Development Bank loan facility for the purchase of the aircraft and we look forward to a further deepening of our relations" Mahama added. Additionally, the procurement includes the spare parts and facilities for the aircraft and their maintenance, and also personnel training.
The Z-9 helicopter is produced by the Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, based on the French Eurocopter Dauphin.
President John Dramani Mahama during the commissioning ceremony for the helicopters at the Air Force base, thanked the Chinese government for financing the US$100 million procurement.
"Let me take this opportunity to thank the Chinese government for the financial support through the China Development Bank loan facility for the purchase of the aircraft and we look forward to a further deepening of our relations" Mahama added. Additionally, the procurement includes the spare parts and facilities for the aircraft and their maintenance, and also personnel training.