The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) has clarified that its mandate does not extend to military aircraft accidents or incidents.

This clarification comes amid heightened public interest in aviation safety, following the recent military helicopter crash at Obuasi in the Ashanti Region, which claimed eight lives, including the Minister of Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed

Speaking to the media in Accra on August 26, 2025, the Acting Commissioner of AIB Ghana, John Wumborti, explained that the bureau operates strictly within the framework of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which limits its jurisdiction to civil aviation matters.

He emphasised that while AIB plays a critical role in investigating, regulating, and preventing civil aircraft accidents in Ghana, military-related incidents remain the responsibility of other designated state authorities.

“AIB does not investigate aircraft that belong to the military. We only conduct such investigations with approval from the sector minister,” Wumborti clarified.



Outlining the bureau’s investigative model, he explained that the process involves collecting factual information, verifying and analysing the data, establishing findings, determining contributing factors, and making conclusions.

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“From this, we develop safety recommendations addressed to the appropriate authority and stakeholders to enhance aviation safety and prevent future occurrences,” he added.

John Wumborti further noted that AIB’s mandate focuses on investigating accidents and incidents, with a vision to become a first-class investigative institution in Africa and globally.



“Additionally, we operate in strict compliance with ICAO standards and recommended practices, ensuring our work meets the highest standards of independence, objectivity, and professionalism,” he stressed.

The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana) is the statutory body responsible for investigating, preventing, regulating, and overseeing the management of aircraft accidents and incidents in Ghana, in accordance with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau Act, 2020 (Act 1028).



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MA