The committee investigating the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash has recommended an urgent modernisation of the Ghana Air Force (GAF) fleet and upgrades to aviation safety systems to prevent similar tragedies.
Presenting the findings in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, who chaired the investigative committee, stressed the need for modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance warning systems, advanced navigation tools, and flight recorders with both voice and audiovisual capabilities.
He also highlighted the importance of recurrent training using certified simulators, employing aviation experts, and establishing en route navigational aids, particularly in remote areas.
“There is a definite need to modernise the Ghana Air Force fleet. While the August 6 crash was a sudden, weather-related incident, implementing these safety measures will greatly enhance operational safety and help prevent future occurrences,” Captain Forjoe said.
Key Recommendations:
- Acquire modern aircraft fitted with terrain avoidance and advanced navigation systems.
- Install voice recorders and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders.
- Invest in simulators for regular training and employ certified aviation professionals.
- Develop navigational aids and tracking systems along flight routes, especially in rural areas.
- Modernise ground support equipment to improve overall operational safety.
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.
The tragedy involved a Z-9 military helicopter that 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