The Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation and Prevention Bureau (AIB) has assured the public of a thorough and independent probe into the Ghana Armed Forces Z-9 helicopter crash, which tragically claimed the lives of eight personnel, including two ministers of state.
The bureau has cautioned against speculation about the cause of the accident, stressing that premature conclusions based on unverified reports could hinder the investigation process. It noted that while suggestions such as a possible bird strike have been widely circulated, only verified evidence will be relied upon in determining what led to the crash.
The Ministry of Defence, in a statement issued on August 25, confirmed that Acting Minister of Defence, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has commissioned a high-level board to oversee the investigations. According to the statement, the board is chaired by the National Security Coordinator, with members drawn from the Ghana Air Force and the AIB of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA).
The United States Air Force is also providing technical advice and support through a team of visiting investigators. The Ministry explained that the board has a 30-day mandate to complete its work and submit its findings to government.
The Defence Ministry further revealed that a preliminary investigation team was immediately constituted on the day of the accident, August 6, to secure and preserve evidence from the crash site.
That team has since completed its initial fact-finding exercise, with its report officially submitted to the newly inaugurated board on August 25. The Ministry noted that additional local and international experts may be called upon if required, in order to ensure a comprehensive inquiry.
The AIB has reiterated that its role is to establish the facts, causes, and safety lessons from the tragedy, not to apportion blame. It emphasized that all investigations will be guided by international standards under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
According to the bureau, the ultimate goal is to prevent similar accidents in the future by strengthening operational and safety protocols within the Ghana Armed Forces aviation unit.
