The Acting Minister of Defence, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, on August 26, 2025, announced the official commencement of the investigation into the deadly August 6 helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others.

In his statement, the Acting Minister of Defence provided details about the composition of the investigative board, which includes the National Security Coordinator and representatives from various state agencies.

Chaired by the National Security Coordinator, DCOP Abdul-Osman Razak, the board's membership includes representatives from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana), and is supported by the Air Force of the United States of America (USA) with advice and assistance.

According to the minister, the board is also mandated to invite other relevant experts and institutions, both local and international, to assist with the investigations.

30-day deadline set for investigation board probing helicopter crash

Given a 30-day deadline by the minister, the board, which was also provided with a preliminary investigative team’s report at the commencement of its work, was expected to submit its report by Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

However, as of the time of filing this report on Thursday, September 25, 2025, the Ministry of Defence has yet to provide any official update on the submission of the report or whether an extension to the deadline has been granted.

On August 6, 2025, a Ghanaian Air Force Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) crashed into a forested mountainside in Ghana's Ashanti Region, near Obuasi, killing all eight people on board.

The aircraft, a Chinese-licensed variant of the French Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, had departed Kotoka International Airport in Accra at approximately 9:12 am local time, en route to an event addressing illegal gold mining in the Obuasi area.

It went off radar shortly after takeoff, and the wreckage was later found destroyed by a post-crash fire, with victims burned beyond recognition.

The crash claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and other high-ranking officials, marking a significant national tragedy.

The victims were the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah; the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Dr Murtala Muhammed; Deputy National Security Coordinator, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna; Vice Chairman of the ruling National Democratic Congress, Samuel Sarpong; and Deputy National Coordinator of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Samuel Aboagye.

Here's the role US Air Force will be playing in Ghana's helicopter crash investigation

Three crew members, Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Malin Twum-Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah, also perished in the crash.

To identify the bodies of the deceased, samples were flown to South Africa for further forensic investigation.

President John Dramani Mahama described the incident as an "irreplaceable loss," and flags were flown at half-mast nationwide.

A state funeral was held in Accra on August 15, attended by the President and senior officials.

Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna and Dr Murtala Muhammed, the Muslim victims, were buried on August 10, while the six remaining victims were buried on August 15.

It is hoped that the findings of the investigative board will help establish the facts surrounding this national tragedy and provide some level of closure to the affected families.

GA/VPO

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