Hot SourceMilitary sources, have revealed to The Herald that the report on investigations into the August 6, 2025 helicopter crash, which claimed the lives of eight senior government officials and military personnel, is ready.
However, it has not yet been submitted to President John Dramani Mahama.
The Accident Committee, chaired by the National Security Coordinator, Abdul-Osman Razak, is expected to present its findings to the Acting Minister of Defence, Cassiel Ato Forson, before forwarding them to the President, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces.
This development follows a letter from Alhaji Habib Iddrisu, Member of Parliament (MP) for Tolon and First Deputy Minority Whip, to President Mahama, requesting an update on the progress of the investigation into the tragic incident.
In his letter dated 27 October 2025, the MP invoked Article 21(1)(f) of the 1992 Constitution and Section 18 of the Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 989), which guarantees citizens the right to access information of public interest.
The Committee was initially given a 30-day deadline to complete its work, but that timeframe has long elapsed, raising public concern about the delay.
However, sources explained that investigators had to travel abroad to analyse the aircraft’s black box, which required visits to the helicopter’s country of origin and the manufacturer’s facilities. These trips reportedly accounted for much of the delay.
According to military insiders, a subcommittee was tasked with the black box investigation and has since completed its work. The main committee is said to be putting the final touches on the full report, which is expected to be submitted soon.
On 25 August 2025, the Ministry of Defence announced that the Investigation Board established to inquire into the Z-9 helicopter crash had formally commenced its work.
The Board, chaired by the National Security Coordinator, includes representatives from the Ghana Air Force and the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The United States Air Force has also provided advisory support through visiting investigators.
The Board may invite other relevant experts and institutions, both local and international, to assist with the inquiry.
It will be recalled that on the day of the incident, 6 August 2025, a preliminary investigation team was constituted to collect all available evidence in support of the Board’s work. The team was expected to submit its findings to the Board as part of the final report.
The tragic crash, which occurred two months ago, resulted in the deaths of Dr Edward Omane Boamah, Minister of Defence, Alhaji Dr Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister of Environment, Alhaji Muniru Mohammed, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator, Dr Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice Chairman
Samuel Aboagye, former parliamentary candidate, Squadron Leader Peter Bafimi Anala, Flying Officer Twum Ampadu and Sergeant Ernest Addo.
Following the tragedy, the government announced on 25 August that a committee of inquiry had been established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, assuring the public that its findings would be made available within 30 days.
However, MP Habib Iddrisu noted that no report or official update has been released since the deadline passed, despite widespread public interest.
“In light of the time that has passed and the significant public interest in this matter, I respectfully request a copy of the investigative report or an update,” the MP stated in his letter.
“The public deserves to know what led to this tragic loss of such prominent figures and dedicated public servants.”
He further urged that if the full report is not yet complete, an interim update should be provided to demonstrate transparency and accountability.
“This would not only keep the public informed but also reflect the government’s commitment to transparency during this difficult time,” he added.
Iddrisu concluded by expressing hope for a prompt response in line with the timelines stipulated by law.
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