Crashed military helicopter lacked extra safety features – Captain Forjoe

An aircraft investigation expert, Captain Paul Forjoe, has disclosed that the military helicopter involved in the fatal crash at Adansi Akrofuom District in the Ashanti Region met all basic safety requirements.

Sharing details of the investigative report at a press conference on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, he said,“We assessed the aircraft to determine if it was fit for purpose. It met all the basic safety requirements. The helicopter was in good condition and complied with all standard safety protocols.”

Long-awaited helicopter crash report set for public release

However, Captain Forjoe noted that the helicopter lacked certain additional safety enhancements.

He also confirmed that the crew involved in the crash had completed three flights prior to the accident and had observed a full 24-hour rest period before the ill-fated flight.

“The last three flights before the accident were conducted by the same crew,” he emphasised.

The investigative team reviewed the crew’s qualifications and examined their medical and psychological records as part of the inquiry.

On Monday, November 10, 2025, the Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, led the committee investigating the August 6, 2025, helicopter crash in presenting their report and findings to President John Dramani Mahama.

The presentation took place during a meeting of the National Security Council.

The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force.

Helicopter crash report to be presented on Monday - Kwakye Ofosu

The aircraft departed Accra at approximately 9:12 AM en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for an anti-illegal mining event when it lost radar contact and went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District.

All eight passengers and crew on board were killed.

The victims included Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence; Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology; Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; Dr Samuel Sarpong, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice-Chair; Samuel Aboagye, former NDC parliamentary candidate of Obuasi East Constituency and Deputy NADMO Coordinator; Wing Commander Peter Bafemi Anala; Flight Lieutenant Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Flight Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

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