The investigative team that probed the helicopter crash on August 6, has made public details of its report.
Captain Paul Forjoe, who led the team, said at a press conference on November 11, that the Air Force recommends acquiring more aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems.
Key Safety Recommendations from the Committee are as follows:
- Acquire modern aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems and advanced navigation systems.
- Equip aircraft with voice recorders and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders.
- Invest in simulators for recurrent training and contract certified aviation experts.
- Develop en route navigational aids, especially in remote areas.
- Establish a flight data monitoring and en route tracking system.
- Modernise ground support equipment to enhance operational safety.
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.
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.