The committee investigating the August 6, 2025 Ghana Air Force helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two government ministers, has confirmed that the aircraft was in good condition to fly on the day of the accident. However, the team cited poor visibility and a sudden downdraft as the primary causes of the tragedy.
According to the final report released on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, visibility deteriorated sharply as the Z-9 helicopter approached Obuasi, approximately 90 miles from Accra. Mist and low clouds forced the crew to switch from visual navigation to instrument flight as they entered challenging weather conditions.
At 9:56 a.m., the pilots transitioned into Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)—meaning they could no longer see the terrain and had to rely solely on the aircraft’s instruments. Two minutes later, at 9:58 a.m., the helicopter unexpectedly lost altitude and struck a ridgeline about 1,370 feet above sea level, just six and a half miles from its destination.
“The helicopter suddenly lost height without any change in power or pitch attitude, which is consistent with a downdraft linked to rapidly changing weather conditions over high terrain,” explained Flight Captain Paul Forjoe, Head of Investigations at the Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB Ghana).
He confirmed that the Z-9EH utility helicopter, tail number GHF 631, was fully airworthy and had met all basic maintenance and safety requirements before the flight. The pilots were described as experienced, qualified, and medically fit, with no evidence of fatigue or human error.
“The crew were calm, professional, and well-prepared. There was no indication of mechanical failure or pilot error,” Captain Forjoe said.
However, the aircraft lacked modern safety systems such as terrain awareness and warning systems, autopilot, and advanced navigation mapping, which could have improved situational awareness and reduced workload in adverse weather.
The helicopter had taken off from Accra at 9:12 a.m. under visual flight rules after a one-hour weather delay. The flight remained uneventful until it neared Brofoyedru, about 10 miles from Obuasi, where weather conditions worsened significantly.
Victims of the Crash
All eight people on board died in the crash, including:
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Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Minister for Defence
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Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Minister for Environment, Science and Technology
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Limuna Mohammed Muniru, Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator
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Samuel Sarpong, NDC Vice-Chair
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Samuel Aboagye, Deputy Director-General of NADMO
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Squadron Leader Peter Bafemi Anala
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Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu
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Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah
The helicopter crashed in the Dampia Range Forest Reserve near Antoakrom in the Amansie West District, after losing radar contact mid-flight.
Investigation Findings
The 30-day inquiry, chaired by National Security Coordinator Abdul-Osman Razak with technical assistance from the U.S. Air Force, used flight recorder data decoded at the AVIC Centre in Xi’an, China. The investigation also reviewed maintenance logs, pilot records, and weather data from the Ghana Meteorological Agency, and included interviews with engineers and families of the crew.
Captain Forjoe commended the emergency response teams, who reached the crash site within two hours despite heavy rain, slippery slopes, and poor visibility.
Summary of Key Findings
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Cause of crash: Loss of lift and altitude due to a powerful downdraft caused by poor weather and rugged terrain.
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Aircraft condition: The helicopter was airworthy but lacked advanced terrain warning and autopilot systems.
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Crew competence: Pilots were highly trained, fit, and fully qualified.
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Weather conditions: Visibility near Obuasi dropped to about 200 metres due to mist, rain, and low clouds.
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Emergency response: Rescue teams arrived within two hours, overcoming difficult terrain.
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Systemic issues: Absence of real-time tracking, simulator training, and flight data monitoring in the Air Force.
Recommendations
The AIB Ghana recommended that the government:
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Modernise the Air Force fleet with aircraft equipped with terrain awareness and advanced navigation systems.
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Install cockpit voice and flight data recorders with audiovisual capability.
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Invest in simulator-based pilot training and contract certified aviation experts.
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Develop national en route navigational aids and real-time weather monitoring systems.
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Upgrade ground support and flight data infrastructure to enhance operational safety.
Captain Forjoe described the crash as an unfortunate weather-related accident, stressing that the implementation of the committee’s recommendations would help prevent future tragedies.
“The Z-9 helicopter was in good working condition. The crew did everything right, but nature proved overwhelming,” he said. “We hope this report brings closure to the families of our fallen heroes and strengthens Ghana’s aviation safety framework.”
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem