The helicopter involved in the fatal crash met all basic safety requirements, according to Captain Paul Forjoe, an expert in aircraft investigations. During a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, he stated, “We assessed the aircraft to determine if it was suitable for its intended purpose. It met all the basic safety requirements, and the helicopter was in good condition.” However, he noted that the helicopter lacked additional safety enhancements.
Captain Forjoe also mentioned that the crew involved in the crash had flown three flights prior to the accident and had a 24-hour rest period before their flight. “The last three flights before the accident were conducted by the same crew,” he emphasised. Captain Forjoe said that the investigative team checked on the crew qualification. They also looked at the medical and psychological records of the crew.
On Monday, November 10, the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, led the Committee that investigated the August 6 helicopter crash to present their report and findings to the President. The presentation was made at a meeting of the National Security Council. “The report will be released to the public tomorrow, Tuesday at 11:30 am,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said on his Facebook page.
The tragedy involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed from Accra around 9:12 a.m. on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region on an anti-illegal-mining mission before losing radar contact and crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight persons on board lost their lives in the crash. The victims included:
- Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
- Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology
- Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
- Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chair of the NDC
- Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate
- Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
- Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
- Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The final report, compiled after weeks of technical analysis and consultations, was chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak. It incorporated input from the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation experts.
According to Mr Kwakye Ofosu, the upcoming media briefing will share key findings and recommendations aimed at preventing future aviation disasters, particularly in the context of military and government operations.
The August 6 crash remains one of Ghana’s most devastating air tragedies, prompting nationwide mourning and calls for a comprehensive safety review within the armed forces’ air operations.
We examined the medical and psychiatric team. Reveals no known conditions. Fatigue was not considered to have metraiollt affected them, but lacked automatic flight.
Source: Laud Nartey
