The helicopter involved in the August 6 fatal crash that claimed the lives of eight top government officials met all basic safety requirements, according to Captain Paul Forjoe, an expert in aircraft investigations.
Addressing a press conference in Accra on Tuesday, November 11, Captain Forjoe said the investigative team thoroughly assessed the aircraft’s airworthiness and confirmed that it was in good condition prior to the crash.
“We assessed the aircraft to determine whether it was fit for purpose, and it met all the basic safety requirements. The helicopter was in good condition and satisfied the necessary safety standards,” he stated.
However, he added that the aircraft lacked additional safety enhancements that could have improved survivability or flight monitoring in the event of an emergency.
Captain Forjoe revealed that the crew on board had undertaken three flights prior to the fatal journey and had enjoyed a 24-hour rest period before embarking on their last mission.
“The last three flights before the accident were conducted by the same crew,” he emphasized, adding that the team also examined the crew’s qualifications, as well as their medical and psychological records.
On Monday, November 10, the Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, led the committee that investigated the crash to present its findings to President John Mahama during a meeting of the National Security Council.
The tragic incident involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft 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. It later lost radar contact and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight persons on board perished. 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
The final report, chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, was compiled after weeks of technical analysis and consultations. It drew on expertise from the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation specialists.
Information Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that a detailed media briefing will soon be held to share key findings and recommendations aimed at improving aviation safety, particularly within military and government operations.
