Helicopter crash probe must steer clear of speculation – Barker-Vormawor

Convener of the FixTheCountry Movement, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has urged that investigations into the August 6 military helicopter crash be conducted without speculation or emotional rhetoric.

In a statement on his Facebook page, the legal practitioner emphasized the importance of discipline and precision in uncovering the truth behind the tragedy, cautioning against what he described as “emotive grandstanding.”

“Investigating the causes of the accident and determining how, as a society, we move forward must not be left to speculation and half-baked theory propounders. This is not the time for emotive grandstanding. We need rigour,” Barker-Vormawor wrote.

His remarks echo similar sentiments expressed by President John Dramani Mahama during a national address on Thursday, August 7. The President called on the country to set aside divisions and focus on offering comfort and solidarity to the bereaved families and institutions affected.

“This is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring,” President Mahama said. “It is a time for strength, for empathy, and for the enduring Ghanaian spirit that still stands tall when all else has failed. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost.”

The President extended his condolences to the families, the Ghana Armed Forces, the ministries and departments that lost dedicated staff, and the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members.

The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, confirmed that Defence Minister Dr. Edward Omane Boamah was among those who died in the crash. Others on board included Minister for Environment Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Muniru Mohammed, and former Member of Parliament and NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Aboagye.

The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.

According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Z-9 helicopter took off from Accra bound for Obuasi but went off radar before crashing. The tragedy has plunged the nation into mourning, with calls for a thorough, fact-based investigation dominating public discourse.