General News
Downdraft Caused August 6 Helicopter Crash — Committee Urges Modernization of Air Force Fleet
The official investigation into the August 6 military helicopter crash has concluded that the tragic incident was caused by a sudden loss of altitude due to a powerful downdraft, a weather phenomenon that occurs when cool, dense air rapidly descends, forcing an aircraft downward unexpectedly.
Presenting the committee’s findings at the Presidency today Tuesday, 11th November, 2025, Captain (Rtd) Paul Forjoe, a member of the investigative team, explained that the aircraft’s behavior before impact was consistent with the effects of a downdraft.
“The investigation determined that the accident was caused by a sudden loss of altitude to the left due to downdraft,” Captain Forjoe said. “This loss of altitude, without any change in power or pitch attitude, is consistent with the downdraft associated with changing environmental conditions over high terrain.”
The committee, chaired by National Security Coordinator COP Abdul-Razak Osman, also uncovered systemic gaps in Ghana’s military aviation infrastructure, particularly in navigation, weather monitoring, and training.
“We found that there is limited national navigational capability for en route and remote areas where there are no weather services,” Captain Forjoe noted. “We also realized that the Air Force doesn’t have much simulator training, and there’s no flight data monitoring or aircraft tracking taking place for their flights.”
He added that the absence of critical systems such as secondary surveillance radar and automatic dependent surveillance broadcast (ADS-B) meant that real-time tracking of aircraft was not possible.
Recommendations for Safety and Modernization
In its report, the committee made far-reaching safety and modernization recommendations aimed at preventing future tragedies and strengthening the operational readiness of the Ghana Air Force.
“We have recommended that the Air Force acquire modern aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems and advanced navigation equipment,” Captain Forjoe said. “The aircraft should also have cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders — the audiovisual-capable types.”
He further emphasized the need for sustained investment in pilot training and weather services, saying:
“The Air Force should invest in simulators for recurrent training and contract certified aviation weather providers to enhance flight safety. As a nation, Ghana must also consider establishing en route navigational aids, especially in remote areas.”
The committee additionally urged the Air Force to establish flight data monitoring and en route tracking systems, and to modernize ground support equipment to meet contemporary operational demands.
“If these measures are implemented,” Captain Forjoe concluded, “they will go a long way to improve aviation safety, enhance operational efficiency, and align Ghana’s Air Force with international standards.”
The crash, which occurred near Brofuedru in the Ashanti Region, claimed the lives of ;
Dr. Edward Omane Boamah – Minister for Defence
Dr. Alhaji Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed – Member of Parliament for Tamale Central and Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
Alhaji Muniru Mohammed – Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
Dr. Samuel Sarpong – Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress
Samuel Aboagye – Former Parliamentary Candidate
Sergeant Leader –Peter Bafemi Anala
Flying Officer –Manin Twum-Ampadu
Sergeant -Ernest Addo Mensah
The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, The Honourable Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, has arrived in Ghana for a five-day official visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries.
Dr. Drew’s visit, which runs from Tuesday, March 3 to Saturday, March 7, 2026, forms part of ongoing efforts to deepen cooperation between Ghana and the Caribbean nation through South-South collaboration.
During his stay, the Prime Minister will participate in Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration on Friday, March 6. He is also expected to hold high-level bilateral talks at the Presidency, where discussions will focus on expanding partnerships in key areas including education, health, trade, investment, and technology.
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), Prime Minister Drew will begin his official engagements with a meeting with the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana before proceeding to the Presidency for formal discussions and an official luncheon.
As part of his itinerary, Dr. Drew will visit notable historical landmarks such as the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the Cape Coast Castle. He will also pay a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarima Kwesi Atta II.
General News
Gov’t Upholds 1,539 Appointments, Revokes 541 After Post-Election Review — Felix Kwakye Ofosu
The Government has upheld 1,539 public sector recruitments, appointments and promotions made around the December 7, 2024 general elections, following a detailed review process, Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP), has announced.
Addressing journalists at the Government Accountability Series in Accra, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu explained that the review was necessitated by concerns raised during the transition period after the 2024 elections.
“It will be recalled that at the very first meeting of the Joint Transition Team, the incoming government raised serious concerns about reports of rash and unlawful recruitments into public institutions, as well as substantial payments to contractors and other creditors in the immediate aftermath of the elections,” he stated.
According to him, both sides of the Transition Team had reached an understanding that ongoing recruitments, promotions and significant statutory payments would be submitted for joint review.
“We left that meeting under the clear impression that there was agreement for all such activities to be subjected to review. Unfortunately, that understanding was disregarded,” he said.
Chief of Staff’s Directive
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu recalled that on February 10, 2025, the Chief of Staff issued a directive revoking appointments and recruitments made unlawfully after December 7, 2024.
“Following that directive, reports filtered in that some persons who were lawfully employed before December 7, or whose recruitment processes had commenced but were not completed before the elections, had also been affected. To ensure fairness and prevent innocent persons from suffering unduly, a committee was established to investigate the matter,” he explained.
Committee Review and Findings
The committee, chaired by Deputy Chief of Staff Nana Oye Bampoe, was tasked with examining compliance with public sector recruitment procedures. It reviewed 2,080 recruitments, appointments and promotions across 36 institutions between March 21 and April 30, 2025.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu disclosed that the committee adopted an 80 percent compliance threshold.
“In other words, if an applicant met at least 80 percent of the required procedural steps, they were deemed to have been lawfully engaged,” he noted.
Institutions were required to provide documentation including vacancy declarations, advertisements, technical and financial clearances, interview reports, appointment letters and acceptance letters.
At the end of the exercise, the committee recommended that 1,539 appointments be upheld.
“These individuals complied with the prescribed recruitment and promotion procedures and received their appointment letters before December 7, 2024,” he stated.
However, 541 appointments were recommended for revocation.
“The recruitment processes in these cases ended after December 7, 2024, and failed to meet the 80 percent compliance pass mark. In essence, they did not conform to the established regulatory framework,” he said.
Clemency for Vulnerable Groups
The Minister revealed that although 879 appointments had initially been revoked by institutions themselves, the committee’s final recommendations reduced that number to 541.
“The differential arose because the committee paid special attention to vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu explained.
“In certain instances within the Ghana Education Service, although procedural requirements were not fully met, we considered the peculiar circumstances of affected individuals. Clemency was granted to allow them to regularise their processes and remain in employment.”
“No Witch-Hunt”
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu dismissed suggestions that the exercise was politically motivated.
“The decision to revoke these appointments was not based on a witch-hunt. There was no political motive beyond the desire to uphold due process and ensure compliance with the rules governing public sector recruitment,” he stressed.
“It was done without malice or ill feeling towards anyone. It was a necessary step to uphold the rule of law and ensure accountability.”
He further alleged that the previous administration was aware that some basic procedural requirements had not been met but proceeded regardless.
“They completely disregarded the incoming administration’s requests to be consulted, so that we could ensure compliance with laid-down rules,” he said.
The Minister reiterated government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the review process was aimed at protecting the integrity of public service recruitment.
General News
John Dramani Mahama Warns of Oil Shock Fallout as Middle East Tensions Escalate; Calls for African Economic Preparedness
Saint Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Arrives in Ghana for Official Visit
Gov’t Upholds 1,539 Appointments, Revokes 541 After Post-Election Review — Felix Kwakye Ofosu
49,966 Voters Head to the Polls in Ayawaso East By-Election Amid Tight Security
-
Sports4 days ago2026 FIFA World Cup: President Mahama tasks supporters to return immediately after the tournament
-
Entertainment6 days ago[EDITORIAL] Praised in Victory, Crucified in Defeat: The Ghanaian Fanbase Paradox
-
Business6 days agoThirdWell launches Inclusive Business Centre to support Accredited Inclusive Businesses in Ghana
-
Entertainment4 days agoSONA: GH¢20m for Film Sector, GH¢20m for Creative Industries — Mahama Announces Major Investment
-
Entertainment2 days agoTHE INSIDE STORY: Why President Mahama Revoked Gideon Nii Aryeequaye’s Appointment as Executive Secretary of the Creative Arts Agency
-
Sports1 week agoBREAKING: Salary Crisis hits Tension at Eleven Wonders Camp for the second time
-
General News2 weeks agoMahama: We’ll increase efforts to clean polluted water bodies and reclaim mined lands
-
General News1 week agoPolice Arrest Two in Agona Swedru With 209 Slabs of Suspected Narcotics, Reject GH₵100,000 Bribe