—— Richard Kumadoe
A Security Expert, Richard Kumadoe, who has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the military helicopter crash, said the probe should cover the helicopter itself, the assessment of flight standard protocols and procedures, the profiles of the personalities on board, and, most importantly, those in charge of operating the aircraft.
Kumadoe noted that such an approach would ensure regime accountability and system objectivity.
In a Facebook post, he stated:
“The crash investigation dynamics will include, but not be limited to, investigating the helicopter itself, assessing the flight standard protocols and procedures, and the persona of the personalities on board the aircraft, and more especially, those in charge of the helicopter — the crew members, plus their superiors and subordinates — to ensure regime accountability and system objectivity.”
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the Ghana Armed Forces has launched a full and transparent investigation into the crash, which claimed the lives of eight individuals, including Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed.
Delivering a national address on August 7, President Mahama described the deceased officials as “gallant men” who served Ghana with distinction.
“As we mourn, questions about the cause of this tragedy are natural and important,” he said. “I want to assure the families and the nation that the Ghana Armed Forces has initiated a full and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this crash.”
He stressed that this is not a time for division, speculation, or political point-scoring, but rather a time for strength, empathy, and the enduring Ghanaian spirit that stands tall even when all else has failed.
“Let us set aside our differences and offer our collective compassion to the bereaved families. Let our words be of comfort, our actions be of kindness, and our unity be the tribute we offer to those whose lives have been lost. To the families, to the Ghana Armed Forces, to the ministries and departments that have lost dedicated staff, and to the National Democratic Congress, which mourns the passing of valued members, may you find strength in their memory and their legacy,” he said.
—— Dr Sarpong
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, announced on Wednesday, August 6, that Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah was among those who died in the crash. Also on board were Environment Minister Murtala Mohammed, former Ashanti Regional Minister Samuel Sarpong, Muniru Mohammed (Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator), and Samuel Aboagye, a former Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of the NDC.
The crew members were Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala, Flying Officer Mane-Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed in a statement that the Z-9 helicopter, which took off from Accra and was heading to Obuasi, went off the radar before crashing on Wednesday, August 6.
Eyewitnesses told Onua TV that the helicopter burned beyond recognition.
Source: Lovinghananews.com
