The National Democratic Congress Government has formally invited United States forensic experts and aviation specialists to assist in uncovering the c
The National Democratic Congress Government has formally invited United States forensic experts and aviation specialists to assist in uncovering the cause of the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers and three military officers.
The decision, according to officials, is in line with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to “leave no stone unturned” in finding the truth behind the disaster.
Foreign Affairs Minister and member of the Armed Forces Council, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, speaking to the press after signing a book of condolence, confirmed the international request.
“A mini cabinet meeting was held today (Thursday) where the president, together with all appointees, resolved to finish the galamsey era,” Ablakwa revealed.
He added, “This tragic setback will not derail the government’s mission. We will honour the victims by completing their work in ending illegal mining in Ghana.”
The crash involved a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter that was reportedly en route to launch a community mining scheme—part of the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, locally known as ‘galamsey’.
The incident occurred in a remote forested highland, 800 feet above sea level, making recovery efforts difficult and raising the urgency of an independent, expert-led investigation.
Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, on Wednesday also confirmed that the helicopter’s anti-crash recorder, commonly referred to as the “black box”, had been retrieved and secured.
“We are waiting on the experts and manufacturers, and a decision will be taken as to how it will be included in the investigation,” he explained.
“The data from the black box, combined with evidence collected at the crash site, will guide the scope and conclusions of the probe.”
Lt Gen. Agyapong described the recovery operation as one of the fastest in Ghana’s history, despite the treacherous terrain.
“We deployed within 30 minutes of losing contact with the helicopter,” he said.
“The crash site was in a very remote highland area, and because of the difficulty in accessing the scene, some residents reached the wreckage before our teams could secure it. Nevertheless, we recovered the bodies, placed them in coffins draped with the national colours in Kumasi, and transported them to Accra—all within 10 hours. We acted with urgency because of the terrain, the sensitivity, and the need to preserve dignity for those we lost.”
During a courtesy call by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to Burma Camp, GJA President Albert Dwumfour paid tribute to the victims, calling them “leaders, fathers, brothers, mentors and friends whose absence will be deeply felt across the country.”
He urged the military to keep the public informed to prevent misinformation.
“Even if there is nothing new to report, it is better to say so than to remain silent,” Dwumfour advised.
The GJA president also raised concerns over reported assaults on journalists by military personnel in the aftermath of the crash.
“Unchecked harassment of journalists can undermine democratic values and public trust,” he warned.
Responding to these concerns, Lt Gen. Agyapong reassured that the Ghana Armed Forces does not condone violence against journalists.
“That is not how we train our troops,” he stated. “Any such infractions are dealt with appropriately. I apologise to any journalists who may have been mistreated.”
The victims included Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed—two key figures in the government’s anti-galamsey campaign.
Their deaths, President Mahama’s administration has vowed, will not derail the fight. As Ablakwa reaffirmed, “We will finish what they started, and we will finish it in their honour.”
The black box analysis, once conducted by the combined Ghanaian, American, and manufacturer-led team, is expected to be decisive in determining the cause of one of the country’s deadliest military aviation accidents and in shaping future flight safety protocols.
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