Ministry of Defence: Full Transparency in Helicopter Crash Investigation
Public Will Know the Truth, No Secrets in Military Crash Inquiry
The Ministry of Defence has pledged a full and open investigation into the tragic helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including that of Defence Minister Dr Omane Boamah, in Adansi Akfrofoum in the Ashanti Region on August 6.
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Speaking to traditional leaders in Accra on August 13, Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi assured that the Ghana Armed Forces had already launched investigations and had sought international assistance to ensure a credible and transparent process.
“We want to assure you that the Ghana Armed Forces has already begun the investigation. We made a request for international collaboration, and we have received a positive response. Nothing will be hidden. The Ghanaian public will be informed of exactly what happened and what caused this tragic accident,” he said.
He also appealed to the media to report responsibly on the matter to avoid speculation and misinformation.
Meanwhile, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, linked the tragedy to illegal mining and called for decisive action to end the menace.
“Galamsey is what has caused their lives. If nothing can be done, the police can act so that once and for all we stop this. This country must rise up and end galamsey,” he urged.
The crash claimed the lives of prominent figures including Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye; NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong; and Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator.
The three crew members who died were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manin Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The government declared three days of national mourning, beginning August 7, with a flower-laying ceremony, followed by a memorial service on August 9. A state funeral for the victims will take place on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Black Star Square in Accra.
The Ghana Armed Forces reported that the Z9 helicopter, carrying three crew members and five passengers, went missing shortly after departing Accra at 9:12 a.m. en route to Obuasi for an anti-illegal mining operation. The aircraft went off radar, prompting an urgent search and rescue mission, which sadly confirmed that all eight on board had perished.
