In the aftermath of Wednesday’s deadly military helicopter crash that killed eight people, a specialized team of investigators from the Ghana Air Forc
In the aftermath of Wednesday’s deadly military helicopter crash that killed eight people, a specialized team of investigators from the Ghana Air Force has been deployed to Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region, the crash site of the ill-fated Chinese built helicopter.
The investigative team, which includes senior military intelligence officers, aviation crash experts, and safety assessors, departed early Thursday morning to commence on-site forensic investigations.
The mission is aimed at determining the exact cause of the crash involving the Z-9 military helicopter of China made which went off radar shortly after taking off from Accra on August 6.
Due to the dense forest terrain of the Dampia Forest Reserve — where the wreckage was located — the investigation team is being led by the area’s Assembly Member along with selected local residents familiar with the paths and contours of the land.
These local guides have been instrumental in accessing the remote forest enclave, which is not easily reachable by vehicle.
The crash site has since been secured by armed military men, with a no-access directive enforced around the perimeter to preserve evidence and protect civilians.
Cleansing the Land
In a culturally sensitive response, the Fomena Traditional Council has called an emergency meeting involving all opinion leaders, sub-chiefs, and elders of the area.
The meeting, convened under the authority of the Fomena Hene, is focused on performing traditional rites to cleanse the land, which is considered spiritually desecrated due to the violent loss of life.
A source close to the council indicated that the elders are consulting local priests and spiritual custodians of the land for the appropriate rituals to be conducted in the coming days.
These rites, they say, are essential to restoring harmony between the community and the ancestors.
Farming and Economic Activity Suspended
In the meantime, all farming activities in and around the Sikaman enclave have been suspended indefinitely.
Lands close to the crash site, some of which are used for cocoa, cassava, and yam cultivation, have been cordoned off by the military.
Farmers in nearby villages have been advised to stay away from their farms until clearance is given.
This has raised concerns among some residents about food security and livelihood disruptions, but local leaders say safety and tradition must take precedence.
The Ghana Armed Forces has indicated that its presence in the area will be maintained until all debris from the crash is cleared and investigators are satisfied with their findings.
The military is also expected to provide security for the safe transport of any remaining parts of the aircraft and to prevent tampering with the crash site.
Residents have been cautioned not to take photos, videos, or souvenirs from the crash area, which is now considered both a security zone and a sacred space.
Background of the Tragedy
The tragedy, which has shaken the nation, claimed the lives of:
Dr. Edward Kofi Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister for Environment and MP for Tamale Central
Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Deputy National Security Coordinator
Samuel Sarpong, NDC National Vice Chairman
Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East, Sqn. Ldr. Peter Bafemi Anala, pilot
Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, co-pilot
Sgt. Ernest Addo Mensah, flight engineer.
The aircraft was last in contact with air traffic control shortly after takeoff from Burma Camp in Accra.
The remains of all eight individuals have since been transported to the 37 Military Hospital in Accra, where state officials and military commanders received them in a solemn ceremony on Wednesday night.
National Mourning Underway
Meanwhile, the government has declared three days of national mourning from August 7 to 9.
Ghanaians have been encouraged to observe the mourning period with solemnity, as plans for a state funeral are being finalized.
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