An official investigation has begun into the recent Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that killed eight people, including several high-ranking government officials.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a board of inquiry, supported by the United States Air Force, has formally commenced work to determine the cause of the crash.
The Z-9 helicopter went down in the Adansi Akrofuom District of the Ashanti Region on Wednesday, 6 August. Among the dead were Ghana's Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and three other prominent government figures: Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; Alhaji Limuna Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator; and Dr Samuel Sarpong, Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The crash also claimed the lives of Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO); Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala; Flying Officer Manin Twum-Ampadu; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
In a statement issued on Monday, 25 August, Acting Defence Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said the investigation board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator and includes members from the Ghana Air Force as well as the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.
The US Air Force is providing both advisory and technical support, with American investigators expected to join the process.
The Defence Ministry added that other experts and institutions, both local and international, may be called upon to assist with the inquiry.
A preliminary investigation team had been deployed on the day of the incident to gather initial evidence. That team is expected to present its findings to the board today.
The board has been given 30 days to complete its investigation.
