Ghana, U.S. Air Forces join hands to investigate Z-9 tragedy

The Ministry of Defence has formally commenced investigations into the Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, 6 August. The probe is being conducted with advisory and technical support from the United States Air Force.

The victims of the tragic crash included high-profile government officials and security personnel: Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the NDC.

Also among the deceased were Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

In a statement issued on Monday, 25 August, and signed by Acting Minister of Defence Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Ministry confirmed that an Investigation Board has been constituted to determine the cause of the crash.

The Board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator and includes members from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). The Defence Ministry indicated that the Board may also call upon additional experts, both local and international, to support the process.

According to the release, a preliminary team had been dispatched immediately after the incident to collect available evidence. That team is expected to submit its findings to the Board today to aid its investigations.

The Board has been given a 30-day mandate to conclude its work and present its final report. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the investigation, noting that the cooperation of international partners such as the U.S. Air Force would strengthen the process.