The investigation board constituted to probe the fatal August 6, 2025 helicopter crash that killed to eight lives, has attributed the crash to bad weather.
The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed from Accra at approximately 9:12 a.m., headed to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region on government business when it allegedly lost radar contact and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
On board were Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru, NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Speaking at the official presentation of the investigation’s findings, Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired pilot and senior aviation engineer with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), revealed that while the crew had weather updates for Accra and Kumasi, no information was available about conditions along the flight path.
“There was adverse weather, limited visibility, rising terrain, and no ground-based navigational aids en route,” Captain Fordjoe explained.
He also confirmed the helicopter was airworthy at the time of the crash but noted it lacked certain safety enhancements, such as a terrain awareness warning system, which might have helped prevent the accident.
Captain Forjoe however praised the swift response of emergency teams who reached the site of the crash. Captain Forjoe said the rescue teams faced extreme weather and terrain challenges but still managed to arrive at the crash site within two hours.
Story by: Elikplim Awuku
