Z-9 helicopter crash probe underway - Report expected in 30 days
An investigation board probing the August 6, 2025, Z-9 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight officials, including two serving Cabinet ministers, has begun work, the Ministry of Defence has announced.
The board has up to 30 days to complete its task.
A statement signed by the acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and issued yesterday, named the National Security Coordinator, Abdul-Osman Razak, as the chairman of the board.
The board draws membership from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau.
The statement said the United States of America would also provide technical advice and assistance through investigators from the US Air Force.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced ahead of the state funeral for the victims of the crash that the United States had responded favourably to the government’s request for relevant experts from America to help with the investigation process.
“I can confirm to you that on the instruction of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we have formally requested the Americans to come in and assist,” Mr Ablakwa said after signing a book of condolence for the crash victims.
“We all know that they have considerable expertise when it comes to these matters. So, the indication we have received from the Americans is that they are very much willing to assist.
The Americans have responded, and we are expecting the arrival of American experts soon to help us with the investigations,” he said.
He then emphasised that the government believed involving independent experts would ensure that the outcome of the investigations would be acceptable to all, so that there would also be confidence in the process.
Probe process
The investigation committee, the statement said, might also invite other experts and institutions, both local and international, to support its work.
Following the incident on August 6, 2025, a preliminary investigation team was constituted to secure the crash site and gather evidence.
That team is expected to present its report to the new committee conducting a more comprehensive probe into the circumstances of the crash that happened in the Ashanti Region after the helicopter was said to have gone off the radar minutes after takeoff from Accra.
The acting Minister of Defence assured the public of a thorough and transparent process.
Background
The Z-9 helicopter, operated by the Ghana Air Force, crashed on August 6, 2025, shortly after takeoff during a routine operation.
Rescue teams were dispatched immediately, and a preliminary enquiry was initiated to preserve evidence and provide initial findings.
The Z-9 is a Chinese-built multi-role helicopter that has been in service with the Ghana Air Force for transport, training and surveillance duties.
Crash victims
Defence Minister, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed; acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; a former Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Samuel Sarpong; a Deputy Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Samuel Aboagye; Wing Commander (then Squadron Leader) Peter Bafemi Anala, the pilot on the helicopter; Flight Lieutenant (then Flying Officer) Manaen Twum Ampadu, co-pilot; and Flight Sergeant (then Sergeant) Ernest Addo-Mensah, crew member, were on the helicopter for a national assignment in Obuasi in the Ashanti Region when the disaster struck at Adansi-Brofoyedu in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
