The investigative committee examining the unfortunate military helicopter crash that occurred on August 6 has disclosed that the aircraft was deemed airworthy on the day of the incident; however, it was missing essential safety equipment that might have averted the tragedy.
Chaired by Acting Minister for Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the committee presented its final report to President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, November 10, during a National Security Council meeting held at the Jubilee House in Accra.
During a press briefing, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe revealed that the Harbin Z-9EH helicopter, operated by the Ghana Air Force, lacked critical safety systems, including the Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS/EGPWS), advanced terrain mapping navigation, and automatic flight control systems.
“The aircraft was certified as serviceable and approved by the pilot, who was fully qualified to operate it,” Captain Forjoe stated.
The committee, formed shortly after the crash, was assigned the responsibility of identifying the cause of the incident and suggesting measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The ill-fated helicopter, identified by tail number GHF 631, departed from Accra at approximately 9:12 a.m. ,heading to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for an anti-illegal mining operation when it lost radar contact and subsequently crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight individuals aboard, including passengers and crew members, tragically lost their lives in the crash. The deceased comprised the Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; the Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Muniru Mohammed Limuna; NDC Vice-Chair, Samuel Sarpong; former parliamentary candidate, Samuel Aboagye; Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The investigation, spearheaded by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak, was carried out in partnership with the Ghana Air Force, the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), and international aviation specialists.
