The investigative team set up by the government to probe the tragic helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight Ghanaians, including two cabinet ministers, has released details of its findings.
Speaking at the Office of the President on November 11, 2025, Captain Paul Forjdore, a member of the investigative team, dismissed allegations of foul play in the crash.
Captain Forjdore stated that the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter involved in the accident was in good condition prior to the flight, emphasising, “The helicopter was airworthy.”
How the BBC, CNN and other media giants reported August 6 tragedy
He explained that there were no incidents as the aircraft flew from Accra to Obuasi, though the crew had to adjust the flight path due to weather conditions. However, as the helicopter was ascending just a few meters from its destination, it suddenly lost altitude.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a sudden loss of altitude and lift due to a downdraft. This loss of altitude, without any change in power or pitch attitude, is consistent with downdrafts associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain,” he said.
The committee, chaired by National Security Coordinator DCOP Abdul-Osman Razak, submitted its final report to the National Security Council on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The board included representatives from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB-Ghana), with technical support and advisory assistance from the United States Air Force.
About the crash:
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, August 6, 2025 involving a Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter en route from Accra to Obuasi. The aircraft reportedly went down in the Dampa Range Forest Reserve, near Sikaman in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region.
Onboard were five officials and three crew members attending the launch of the Responsible Cooperative Mining and Skills Development Programme (rCOMSDEP).
The five officials were:
• Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence
• Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation
• Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice-Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
• Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate for Obuasi East and NADMO Deputy Director-General
• Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
The three Ghana Air Force crew members were:
• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
• Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu
• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
BAI/MA
Watch the promo to GhanaWeb's latest documentary, which uncovers the evolution of ‘kayamata,' an exploitative practice fueled by love charms and manipulation, titled, “The Dark Side of Kayamata,' below:
#TrendingGH: What Ghanaians want from the 2026 budget:
The wait is over! The GhanaWeb Excellence Awards 2025 is officially launched. Let's celebrate impact, innovation and excellence across Ghana.
Who deserves to be honoured this year?
Nominate now 👉 https://ghanaweb.com/ghanaexcellenceawards/nominate
Copyright © 1994 - 2025 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
