President Mahama Receives Report on August 6 Helicopter Tragedy
Government to Make Findings Public on Tuesday
President John Dramani Mahama has received the final report of the investigation into the August 6 helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including senior government and military officials.
The report was presented to the President at a meeting of the National Security Council in Accra by Acting Defence Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, who also chaired the Committee that probed the incident. The investigative panel was led by the National Security Coordinator, Commissioner of Police (COP) Abdul-Razak Osman (rtd).
According to government communication, the full report and its findings will be made public on Tuesday, November 11.
Details of the Tragedy
The crashed aircraft, a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter with tail number GHF 631, operated by the Ghana Air Force, took off from the Accra Air Force Base at 9:12 a.m. on August 6 en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region. The flight was part of a government mission to monitor and clamp down on illegal mining activities.
The helicopter reportedly lost radar contact shortly after entering the Adansi Akrofuom District and later crashed into a forested area, killing all eight persons on board.
Among the deceased were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment, Science and Technology Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, NDC National Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong, and former parliamentary candidate Samuel Aboagye.
Three Air Force personnel—Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah—were also killed.
Multi-Agency Investigation
The inquiry, chaired by COP Abdul-Razak Osman, involved experts from the Ghana Air Force, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international advisers, including engineers from Airbus and Chinese aviation authorities familiar with the Z-9 platform.
The team examined maintenance logs, flight data, weather conditions, and pilot communication to determine the cause of the accident. It also reviewed the Air Force’s operational protocols for missions involving civilian passengers.
Public Briefing Scheduled
Deputy Information Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu announced that the presentation of the report to the National Security Council concludes the investigation process. A media briefing on Tuesday, November 11, will outline the causes of the crash, safety gaps identified, and recommendations for strengthening military aviation safety.
“Lessons drawn from this tragedy will guide reforms to prevent a recurrence,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu stated, reaffirming government’s commitment to transparency and safety.
Closure and Reform
Sources indicate that the report could trigger a comprehensive review of military aviation standards and emergency response systems. It is expected to determine whether the helicopter met operational safety requirements and if any technical warnings were overlooked prior to departure.
“The government remains committed to ensuring that such a tragedy never happens again,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu added.
The release of the report is expected to bring closure to families of the victims and to a nation still mourning one of the most devastating aviation disasters in Ghana’s recent history.
