Retired Pilot Commends Fast Emergency Response After Fatal Military Helicopter Crash

Captain Paul Forjoe, a retired pilot and senior aviation engineer with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), has praised the quick action of emergency responders who rushed to the scene of the Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two government ministers and other high-ranking officials.

Presenting the findings of the investigation, Captain Forjoe said the rescue teams braved harsh weather and difficult terrain yet still managed to reach the crash site within two hours.

“The fact that these first responders got to the site in about two hours was remarkable because the terrain has very steep slopes,” he said. “It was raining, it was slippery, so it wasn’t the easiest thing to do… we can confidently say the emergency response was very timely.”

The crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force. The aircraft took off from Accra at around 9:12 a.m. on August 6, headed for Obuasi in the Ashanti Region to support an anti-illegal mining operation. It later lost radar contact and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District.

All eight people on board—both crew and passengers—died in the crash. The victims were:

• Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence

• Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology

• Muniru Mohammed Limuna, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator

• Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice-Chair

• Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate

• Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala

• Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu

• Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah

Captain Forjoe noted that the accident scene was extremely difficult to access, with rescuers struggling through heavy rain and dangerously slippery slopes.

“When we went to the site, it was also raining and very slippery, and we struggled using sticks and everything to try to get up there,” he recalled.

He also commended local authorities and the Ghana Armed Forces for their coordination and support throughout the emergency response.