The investigation into the August 6, 2025, military helicopter crash that claimed the lives of eight senior government officials has emphasized the urgent need to modernize the Ghana Air Force’s fleet and safety systems.
Presenting the finding on the incident on Tuesday, November 11, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a member of the investigative committee, explained that the Z-9 helicopter’s sudden descent was caused by a downdraft over high terrain, rather than mechanical failure.
The committee’s report includes a series of safety recommendations aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
It stated, “Modernise the fleet of the Ghana Air Force. Acquire modern aircraft with TAWS/EGPWS and modern navigation systems. CVR/FDR with audio visual capable types. Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training. Contract certified aviation weather provider. En route navigational aids. Flight Data monitoring. En route tracking systems. Ground Support equipment.”
Officials said implementing these measures will improve training, flight monitoring, and in-flight navigation, reducing the risk posed by sudden atmospheric changes.
The crash involved eight senior government officials, including Minister for Defence Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Limuna Muniru.
The rest were NDC Vice Chairman Samuel Sarpong, NADMO Deputy Director-General Samuel Aboagye, and three crew members.
Captain Forjoe highlighted that modern aircraft and enhanced training systems would allow pilots to better handle unpredictable conditions.
“Invest in flight simulators for recurrent training…Contract certified aviation weather provider…Flight Data monitoring…En route tracking systems,” he reiterated, stressing the importance of adopting international best practices in military aviation safety.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
