The investigative committee probing the August 6 helicopter crash has dismissed reports of a mid-air explosion, confirming that the blast occurred only after the aircraft hit the ground.
Presenting the findings on Tuesday, November 11, committee leader Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe explained that the crash was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a powerful downdraft.
He added that although the helicopter was missing certain modern safety systems, their absence alone could not be held responsible for the tragic incident.
“If you have all these other enhancements, the Air Force would be happy to have them because they know what it would help them do, and it will make our dignitaries much safer when they fly. But it doesn’t mean that because those enhancements were not there, that is why the accident happened; it would be wrong to say so.
“In terms of the explosion, there was no explosion before. The Z9 helicopter’s fuel tank is under where the passengers sit. It had been fuelled up well, so it was on impact that the explosion took place,” Captain Forjoe clarified.
The committee, which was established shortly after the crash, was tasked with determining the cause of the incident and recommending measures to prevent future occurrences. Its findings covered technical, operational, and environmental factors that contributed to the tragedy.
The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft departed from Accra at about 9:12 a.m. on an anti-illegal mining operation to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region before losing radar contact and crashing in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight passengers and crew members on board were killed, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed Limuna, and NDC Vice-Chair Samuel Sarpong. Others were Samuel Aboagye, a former parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The investigation, conducted under the supervision of National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, was carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation experts.
As part of its safety recommendations, the committee emphasised the urgent need for the Ghana Air Force to acquire modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance warning systems and advanced navigation technologies.
It also advised that all aircraft be fitted with voice recorders and audiovisual-capable flight data recorders, while the Air Force should invest in simulators for recurrent pilot training and work closely with certified aviation weather service providers.
Additionally, the committee urged the development of en route navigational aids, especially in remote areas, and the establishment of a flight data monitoring and en route tracking system. It further called for the modernisation of ground support equipment to enhance overall operational safety.
According to the committee, implementing these safety measures will help strengthen Ghana’s aviation capacity and prevent future air disasters
