Donated Helicopters for KNUST Held Up by Taxes

The aerospace engineering department at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is facing uncertainty over the reception of two helicopters generously donated by PHI Century Ltd.

These helicopters were intended to enhance practical training for aspiring aeronautical engineers. However, this potential windfall is in jeopardy due to the Ghana Revenue Authority’s (GRA) insistence on the payment of full taxes for these non-airworthy equipment.

Originally, these aging helicopters were brought into the country by PHI Century Limited, a joint venture between PHI Aviation and Century Aviation Company Limited.

Their primary purpose was to support transportation to offshore drilling rigs and production platforms off Cape Three Points in the Western Region. During their importation, they were classified as tax-free, with the understanding that they would be exported once their assigned duties were fulfilled.

Instead of returning the helicopters to the United States, PHI Century expressed its intention to gift them to an aviation school in Ghana for practical training, particularly at KNUST’s aerospace engineering department.

This gesture aimed to boost the academic training of aerospace engineers and benefit the newly established School of Aeronautical Studies at KNUST.

However, the GRA has raised concerns, demanding that KNUST pays a substantial amount in taxes to receive the donated helicopters.

This unforeseen tax dispute has cast a cloud over the generous offer, leaving the aerospace engineering unit at KNUST without essential equipment that could significantly enhance their training programs.

Aviation experts with knowledge of the issue have voiced their support for the donation, recognizing its value to KNUST and the aerospace engineering department.

They argue that these helicopters could fill a critical gap in the department’s resources, thereby strengthening the education and training of future aeronautical engineers.

This dispute highlights the complexities and potential setbacks in philanthropic efforts when government regulations come into play.

The fate of the helicopters remains uncertain, and it remains to be seen whether an amicable resolution can be reached, allowing these helicopters to contribute to the growth of aviation education in Ghana.