Helicopter crash investigation will be transparent, nothing will be concealed – Defence Ministry

The Ministry of Defence has provided assurance to the public of a thorough and transparent investigation into the August 6 helicopter crash in Adansi Akrofuom, Ashanti Region, which resulted in eight fatalities, including Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah.

Deputy Defence Minister Brogya Genfi addressed chiefs in Accra on August 13, stating that the Ghana Armed Forces had initiated investigations and sought international collaboration to ensure credibility.

“We have garnered a positive response to our request for international support. Nothing will be hidden, the process will be transparent, and the public will have explicit knowledge of what transpired and the cause of this tragic accident,” he stated.

Mr. Genfi also urged the media to exercise caution in their reporting on the incident.

The victims of the crash included Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate; Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

The government has declared a three-day national mourning period, commencing on August 7, with a flower-laying ceremony and memorial service scheduled for August 9. A state funeral for the victims is slated for Friday, August 15, at Black Star Square in Accra.

The GAF has confirmed that the Z-9 helicopter, which departed Accra at 09:12 GMT en route to an anti-illegal mining event in Obuasi, went missing before crashing, and a subsequent search-and-rescue operation revealed that all eight on board had perished.