Military begins probe into fatal helicopter crash in Ashanti region

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has announced that a formal investigation is underway to uncover the cause of Wednesday’s deadly helicopter crash involving an Air Force Z-9 aircraft in the Ashanti Region.

In a brief statement confirming the incident, GAF said the military helicopter, which departed from Accra at 9:12 a.m. and was headed to Obuasi, went down in the vicinity of Sikaman, near Adansi Akrofuom. Tragically, all those on board have been confirmed dead.

The crash claimed the lives of three crew members: Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

Also on board were five distinguished public officials: Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah; Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, Alhaji Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed; Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed; Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Dr. Samuel Sarpong; and former parliamentary candidate, Mr. Samuel Aboagye.

Military authorities have assured the public that efforts are being made to establish what led to the tragic incident, which has thrown the nation into mourning.