A retired Ghana Air Force officer, Wing Commander Patrick Nelson Sogbodjor, has urged the public to exercise patience regarding the report on the helicopter crash that occurred on August 6, 2025. He emphasised that investigations into helicopter crashes are more complex and time-consuming than those involving vehicles, which can be concluded relatively quickly.
Wing Commander Sogbodjor’s comments come in response to a letter from Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, the First Deputy Minority Whip in Parliament, who has requested that President John Dramani Mahama publicly release the report on the crash. The incident tragically claimed the lives of eight individuals, including two ministers.
In a telephone interview on TV3’s Ghana Tonight on Monday, October 27, 2025, Sogbodjor urged the public not to expect a quick turnaround for the investigation report, as it typically takes longer than anticipated. “Investigating aircraft accidents is not like investigating vehicle crashes. It’s a very elaborate process. I ask my fellow countrymen to be patient. I am aware of the concerns raised by the parliamentarian, but let’s avoid setting specific timelines,” he stated, highlighting the complexity involved in aviation accident investigations.
Habib Iddrisu, also the Member of Parliament for Tolon, has formally written to President Mahama requesting information on the findings of the committee established to investigate the crash of the Z9 helicopter crash.
In a letter dated Monday, October 27, 2025, addressed to the President, Mr Iddrisu invoked Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989) to request a copy of the investigative report or an update on the matter.
“The nation mourned together following this profound loss, recalling that on August 25, 2025, a committee of inquiry was set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, with a promise that the findings would be shared within thirty days. “In light of the time that has passed and the significant public interest in this matter, I respectfully request a copy of the investigative report or update,” he wrote.
He said that the public deserves to know what led to the deaths of “such prominent figures and dedicated public servants,” urging the Presidency to release the full and final report from the investigative committee or provide an interim update if the process is still ongoing.
“If the complete report is not yet available, I would appreciate it if you could release a partial or interim report. This would not only keep the public informed but also reflect the government’s commitment to transparency during this difficult time,” he added. The August 6, 2025, incident that occurred near Adansi Akrofuom in the Ashanti region led to the deaths of several senior government officials and military officers, including:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah – Minister of Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed – Minister of Environment
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman, NDC
Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Sergeant Ernest Addo, all military officers, and Flying Officer Twum Ampadu.
Source: Felix Anim-Appau
