Helicopter Crash: Key recommendations from Investigative Team
he committee investigating the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials, has recommended urgent safety upgrades and the modernisation of the Ghana Air Force fleet to prevent future accidents.
Presenting the findings of the Investigative Committee on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, the committee highlighted the need for modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance warning systems, advanced navigation systems, voice recorders, and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders.
The committee also stressed the importance of recurrent training using certified simulators and contracted aviation experts, as well as the development of en route navigational aids, particularly in remote areas.
“There is a definite need to modernise the fleet of the Ghana Air Force. Implementing these safety recommendations will prevent the recurrence of future accidents. The August 6 crash was an unfortunate and sudden weather-related incident, but investing in modern technology and training will significantly improve operational safety,” the committee stated.
The investigative committee was established shortly after the crash to determine the causes of the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences. Its findings cover technical, operational, and environmental factors that may have contributed to the accident.
Government sources have confirmed that the full report and key recommendations will be publicly released at an official press briefing on Tuesday, November 11.
The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed from Accra at about 9:12 a.m., en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region on an anti-illegal mining operation, before losing radar contact and crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight passengers and crew on board were killed, including Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence; Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology; Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice-Chair; Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The investigation was conducted under the supervision of National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, in collaboration with the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation experts.
