The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has confirmed that the black box from the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter, which crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District on Wednesday, August 6, has been recovered. The tragic incident claimed the lives of several high-ranking government and military officials. In a Facebook post on Thursday, August 7, Dr. Amoakohene announced the progress, stating that a team of investigators successfully located the black box at the crash site, marking a crucial step in determining the cause of the accident.
The investigation team, comprised of officers from the Ghana Air Force and other military units, began their mission early Thursday morning. They were assisted by local residents and the Assembly Member for the area, who guided them through the forested terrain to reach the remote crash location. This crash has been described as one of the most devastating air tragedies in recent Ghanaian history, resulting in the deaths of the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed.
Other persons who also perished in the crash included Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Aboagye, a former Parliamentary Candidate; and Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC. The three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also died.
Initial reports indicate the helicopter was en route to Obuasi when it went off radar, prompting a swift response and search mission by military and local authorities.
The recovery of the black box is expected to provide crucial data to investigators, who are working against the clock to piece together the chain of events leading to the fatal crash.
Meanwhile, Samples of the remains of the eight individuals who perished have been flown to South Africa for DNA analysis to aid in their identification.
By: Patricia Boakye
