A retired pilot and senior aviation engineer with the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB), Captain Paul Forjoe has outlined key safety recommendations following investigations into the August 6 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash, which claimed eight lives, including two government ministers and senior officials.
Presenting the findings, Captain Forjoe said the investigative board has advised the Ghana Air Force to modernise its fleet and adopt advanced aviation technologies to improve safety and prevent future tragedies.
“We have recommended that the Air Force acquire modern aircraft equipped with terrain avoidance and warning systems, as well as upgraded navigation technology, the aircraft should also have cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders with audio-visual capabilities,” he said.
The fatal crash involved a Harbin Z-9EH military helicopter (tail number GHF 631) operated by the Ghana Air Force.
The aircraft departed Accra at about 9:12 a.m. on August 6 en route to Obuasi in the Ashanti Region for an anti-illegal mining operation when it lost radar contact and crashed in the Adansi Akrofuom District.
All eight passengers and crew on board died.
The victims included 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; and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
Captain Forjoe said the board further recommended that the Air Force invest in flight simulators for regular pilot training to maintain proficiency and enhance operational safety.
He also urged the government to contract certified aviation weather service providers and to develop en route navigational aids, particularly in remote areas where such systems are currently unavailable.
“The Air Force should also establish flight data monitoring and en route tracking systems to ensure better real-time oversight of aircraft operations,” he added.
The investigation also called for the modernisation of ground support equipment to improve aircraft maintenance and emergency response capacity across all Air Force bases.
Captain Forjoe emphasised that implementing these recommendations is vital to strengthening the Air Force’s operational readiness and preventing future aviation disasters.
