Helicopter crash response exposes gaps in Ghana’s emergency preparedness, says Colonel Festus Aboagye
Security analyst Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd) has called for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s national emergency response system following the recent military helicopter crash that claimed eight lives, including senior government officials.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Newsfile programme on Saturday, August 9, Col. Aboagye criticised the handling of the disaster, particularly how the victims’ remains were transported.
He described the use of cocoa sacks for carrying bodies as a grave disrespect to those who served the nation.
“For the sake of dignity, the authorities should have ensured that the bodies were secured properly,” he said. “If they were covered with polythene inside the sacks, that would have been acceptable. But to carry someone who dedicated their life to the nation in a cocoa sack is unacceptable. Is this how we treat our fallen heroes?” he questioned.
Col. Aboagye emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated national emergency response framework that integrates all relevant agencies, including the Ghana Armed Forces, National Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Police Service.
He cited previous disasters such as the 2022 Appiatse explosion and the Akosombo Dam spillage as evidence that despite existing institutions, Ghana’s response efforts remain fragmented and inefficient.
Reflecting on the helicopter crash response, Col. Aboagye raised concerns over delays and inadequate preparation, pointing out that emergency teams arrived on site without essential equipment and personnel to manage casualties effectively.
“When responding to such incidents, fire and ambulance services should never arrive empty-handed,” he said, calling for improvements in preparedness and inter-agency coordination.
He also underscored the importance of providing psychological support to the families affected by such tragedies, noting that trauma counselling is a critical yet often neglected component of emergency management.
Col. Aboagye warned that urgent reforms are necessary to strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to emergencies.
The military helicopter went down on August 6 in the Ashanti Region, killing Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, and six others, including Air Force crew members.
